Vegetation is a group of plants that live in an environment with enough resources for it to stay alive. There are different kinds of vegetation in the ocean. Most of these Plants in the Ocean Biome actually need a huge amount of sunlight to reach them and the right level of salinity so they can continue to grow. Here are 15 Types of Ocean Vegetation. Read on to find out what the vegetation are and what makes them so important to the ocean.
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1. Killer Algae
This particular vegetation is dangerous to the habitat of the ocean as well as to the marine creatures. Killer algae is able to release a special kind of toxin.
This toxin can cause serious harm to the fish that eats it. The Killer algae is actually a native plant of the Indian Ocean. Somehow it has end up growing well in the other parts of the world’s oceans.
2. Seaweed
Seaweed needs really salty water to live. Other than that, this vegetation relies heavily on sunlight to survive because it needs to carry out photosynthesis.
Most seaweed floats freely in the ocean’s waters. Many marine creatures like to feed on seaweed. Humans have also found many usage for seaweed. We use seaweed for various kinds of purposes such as medicines, cosmetics or food.
3. Seagrass
Seagrass has roots and these roots are planted firmly into the floor of the ocean. This particular vegetation is very important to the ocean. It offers a shelter or a suitable habitat for the marine creatures.
Moreover, it serves as food for the manatees. Another important role of this vegetation is providing protection for those who are chased after their predators. The leaves are perfect hiding places for the marine animals.
4. Coralline Algae
It is tough just like the rocks that it takes over. Coralline algae is a crucial vegetation that helps in the growth of the coral reefs all over the world.
It provides a firm and strong structure to support the species in the coral reefs. Sometimes the vegetation would also grow over some of the corals to protect them.
5. Red Algae
The Red algae has been around the oceans for a very long time. The growth of this vegetation records back to almost 500 million years ago.
The red coloration of the algae is caused by a pigment in the algae. It causes the plant to reflect red light and take in more blue light. The pigment enables the algae to carry out photosynthesis.
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6. Kelp
Kelp vegetation is among the fastest growing vegetation in the ocean. The colour of Kelp is commonly brown and floats in the water like branches.
The Kelp vegetation helps marine animals to find a place to live. Many of them like to consume it as food too. For humans, Kelp is most useful for increasing the quality of soil. It acts as natural fertiliser.
7. Phytoplankton
Phytoplankton holds the role as the very basic beginning of the marine food web. Similar to the other kinds of vegetation, phytoplankton needs sunlight and nutrients so that it can grow properly. Although hard to see, phytoplankton actually floats among the water surface of the ocean. The most important point is Phytoplankton is one of decomposer of the ocean which keep the balancing of ocean life
8. Irish Moss
The Irish Moss contains quite a large percentage of minerals and proteins. Thus, some people do like to consume them in various recipes.
It turns to jelly-like texture when cooked because it turns soft when it touches a lot of water. The Irish Moss is a vegetation that grows best among the rocky areas of the ocean. The colour of the vegetation can vary from being yellow, green red, purple or brown.
9. Salt Marsh
These plants include grass, herbs or a small group of shrubs. The salt marsh vegetation is important in maintaining the sediment along the coastlines.
The various plants inside the marsh help to hold sediment through the roots. Thus, the ocean can avoid having too many sediments in it. Moreover, the salt marsh vegetation offers the ocean some of its nutrients.
Also read: Types of Ocean Birds
10. Posidonia
The vegetation is so abundant that it forms a lush meadow in the ocean. This vegetation consists of plants that are green in colour.
Other than that, they are also very long and sharp. The Posidonia actually produces fruits that some marine creatures eat. But the Posidonia needs constant sunlight exposure to ensure a fully functional photosynthesis.
11. Sea Lettuce
This particular vegetation likes it best when it can grow over hard rocks or shells. The colour of the Sea Lettuce is very bright green.
But when the plant dries up, it changes its colour to black or even white. Sea Lettuce serves as a diet for many marine fish. Humans can also consume this vegetation too as it is edible. In fact, a lot people in Japan, China and Scandinavia eats the Sea Lettuce.
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12. Widgeon Grass
The Widgeon Grass is a vegetation that grows best in salty water. However, there have been reports that this grass can also live in fresh water.
You can find a lot of Widgeon Grass along the coastlines as the vegetation is very common. It must stays under the water at all times and the oxygen level must be adequate enough for it to survive. Low oxygen will cause the vegetation to die.
13. Red Sea Whip
The Red Sea Whip can grow individually or among a large group of its own kinds. The vegetation is quite thick.
The colour of the Red Sea Whip can either be red, yellow or purple. Although the Red Sea Whip is native to the oceans, the plant has also become a favourite among those who like to collect species in their aquariums.
14. Moss
Moss is made up of tiny leaves with a lot of nutrients. Moss do not produce seeds but it does have spores that help it to continue growing in the ocean.
Some species of plants that form the moss are small while some are large. The tallest moss vegetation is called the Dawsonia. It is able to grow up to around 50 centimetres.
15. Sea Fern
This vegetation has structures like feathers with branches. The branches are so small, averaging on only 5 centimetres.
Although this vegetation looks harmless and peaceful, some of the Sea Fern can actually cause stinging which could be painful. Besides that fact, humans actually use sea fern for many cosmetic purposes.
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Many of the ocean vegetation provides a safe environment and habitat for marine animals to thrive. Other than that, humans use them for food production and cosmetic purposes. To keep these important vegetation alive, we must always ensure that the ocean is always in good condition.
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