giant kelp

brown algae
Also known as: Macrocystis pyrifera

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association with elk kelp

  • In Pelagophycus

    …at the outer fringe of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forests, which occur at comparatively shallow depths. Elk kelp, however, can hybridize naturally with giant kelp, and certain hybrid gametophytes produced from this crossing may be fertile. Both elk and giant kelp provide important habitats for other marine life, including other…

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benthic habitats

  • ocean zonation
    In marine ecosystem: Benthos

    …day to its length—is the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, which is found on subtidal rocky reefs. These plants, which may exceed 30 metres in length, characterize benthic habitats on many temperate reefs. Large laminarian and fucoid algae are also common on temperate rocky reefs, along with the encrusting (e.g., Lithothamnion)…

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kelps

  • giant kelp
    In kelp

    Giant kelps of the genus Macrocystis are the largest known kelp species, reaching up to 65 metres (215 feet) long. The genus is limited in distribution because it reproduces only at temperatures below 18–20 °C (64.4–68 °F). The complicated body, in some ways similar in…

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Otters, Algae, and Plants, Oh My