Stoneworts: Complex Algae in Freshwater Habitats

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the maximum water depth at which stoneworts generally prefer to live?

5 meters

30 meters

20 meters

10 meters (correct)

There are over 400 species of stoneworts worldwide.

True

Which factor significantly affects the water quality and health of stoneworts?

Soil type

Water temperature

Presence of metals (correct)

Light availability

What are the five genera of stoneworts found in the UK?

Chara, Lamprothamnium, Nitella, Nitellopsis, Tolypella Signup and view all the answers

Stoneworts acquire their common name from their stony external texture due to __________.

calcium carbonate Signup and view all the answers

Stoneworts primarily thrive in nutrient-depleted conditions.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the following genera of stoneworts with their habitat preferences:

Chara = Base-rich alkaline waters Lamprothamnium = Coastal lagoons Nitella = Less alkaline, softer waters Nitellopsis = Mesotrophic lakes Tolypella = Calcareous ditches Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of reproductive structures found in stoneworts?

oogonia and antheridia Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily threatens the populations of stoneworts?

Eutrophication Signup and view all the answers

Stoneworts can exhibit plasticity of morphology due to variations in habitat and water quality, showing differing ______ according to their environment.

shapes Signup and view all the answers

Stoneworts have true leaves and roots.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following species is likely to thrive in deeper, hypoxic conditions?

Both B and C Signup and view all the answers

Stoneworts are considered pioneer species that colonize newly dug ponds.

True Signup and view all the answers

What type of environments do stoneworts inhabit?

Wetland and freshwater or brackish habitats. Signup and view all the answers

The darkening of oospores post-fertilization indicates that __________ has occurred.

fertilization Signup and view all the answers

Match the following stonewort characteristics with their descriptions:

Dioecious = Male and female parts on separate plants Monoecious = Male and female parts on the same plant Hispid = Spiny structure for protection Ecorticate = Lacking a cortex Signup and view all the answers

What are the propagules produced in some species for vegetative reproduction called?

Bulbils Signup and view all the answers

Stoneworts are less sensitive to water quality compared to other aquatic plants.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum concentration of copper in open water that affects stonewort survival?

100 µgl-1 Signup and view all the answers

Stoneworts are important for enhancing water clarity by reducing _____ rates.

flow Signup and view all the answers

Match the following elements with their maximum concentration limits affecting stoneworts:

Nitrate = 0.5 mgl-1 Phosphate = 20 µgl-1 Copper = 100 µgl-1 Cobalt = Variable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pollutants are stoneworts particularly sensitive to?

Heavy metals like copper Signup and view all the answers

Salinity has no effect on the growth and photosynthetic function of stoneworts.

False Signup and view all the answers

What role do stoneworts play in stabilizing sediments?

Forming dense mats through rhizoid linkages Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary aims of conservation or restoration of habitats?

Remove surface fluid sediments Signup and view all the answers

Dykes and gravel pits require the same conservation methods.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of habitat is primarily mentioned as benefiting molluscs and invertebrates?

Aquatic habitat Signup and view all the answers

The main male gamete in aquatic plants is known as an __________.

antherozoid Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms with their definitions:

Antheridium = Male sexual organ in plants Oogonium = Female sexual organ in plants Gametangia = Sexual organs in plants Hypoxic = Low oxygen content Signup and view all the answers

What successful method was identified at Eye Green for conservation?

Excavating new pits Signup and view all the answers

All plants mentioned are monoecious, producing both male and female gametangia on the same plant.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does 'benthic' refer to?

On or in the bed of a body of water Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of rhizoids in charophyte plants?

Absorption and anchorage Signup and view all the answers

Desmids are primarily found in saltwater environments.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main photosynthetic pigments found in desmids?

Chlorophyll a and b Signup and view all the answers

Desmids have two pronounced lobes that are connected by an __________.

isthmus Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Protonema = Juvenile form that emerges from the oospore Rhizoid = Hair-like filament for absorption and anchorage Stipulode = Single or double ring of single-celled processes Desmid = Green algae considered among the earliest-evolved plants Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stoneworts

Stoneworts are complex algae found in freshwater or brackish habitats
They have a stony texture due to calcium carbonate deposits
Stoneworts are closely related to land plants
There are over 400 species worldwide, and approximately 30 species in the UK
Stonewort populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss and pollution
Seven species are listed as threatened or endangered in the UK
Stoneworts lack true leaves and roots, instead they have branchlets arranged in whorls around the stem and rhizoids for anchoring
Stoneworts have large cells, with each branchlet, rhizoid and internode being one cell thick
Nutrient uptake is mainly through direct transport from the water
They are sensitive to water quality, specifically the presence of metals
They also have a high sensitivity to competition from filamentous algae
Stoneworts are pioneer species and often colonize newly formed water bodies
They are important for enhancing water clarity, stabilizing sediments, and providing habitats for various aquatic organisms
Conservation methods include reducing nutrient input, removing sediments, and controlling competitive vegetation.

Desmids

Desmids are green algae considered to be one of the earliest evolved plants
They contain chlorophyll a and b, store starch, and have cell walls made of cellulose
Most desmids consist of two lobes connected by an isthmus
Their name comes from the Greek word "desmos" meaning "bond"
The nucleus is located within the isthmus, and each lobe contains a large chloroplast
They are commonly found in freshwater habitats like peat bogs and ponds low in minerals
Desmids are covered in slime which they secrete through pores in their walls
Their slime coatings host bacteria that may be symbiotic.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of stoneworts, complex algae that play a crucial role in freshwater and brackish ecosystems. Learn about their unique characteristics, species diversity, and the environmental threats they face. This quiz will shed light on their ecological importance and sensitivity to water quality.

Stoneworts: Complex Algae in Freshwater Habitats

Podcast Beta

Questions and Answers

What is the maximum water depth at which stoneworts generally prefer to live?

There are over 400 species of stoneworts worldwide.

Which factor significantly affects the water quality and health of stoneworts?

What are the five genera of stoneworts found in the UK?

Stoneworts acquire their common name from their stony external texture due to __________.

Stoneworts primarily thrive in nutrient-depleted conditions.

Match the following genera of stoneworts with their habitat preferences:

What are the two types of reproductive structures found in stoneworts?

What factor primarily threatens the populations of stoneworts?

Stoneworts can exhibit plasticity of morphology due to variations in habitat and water quality, showing differing ______ according to their environment.

Stoneworts have true leaves and roots.

Which of the following species is likely to thrive in deeper, hypoxic conditions?

Stoneworts are considered pioneer species that colonize newly dug ponds.

What type of environments do stoneworts inhabit?

The darkening of oospores post-fertilization indicates that __________ has occurred.

Match the following stonewort characteristics with their descriptions:

What are the propagules produced in some species for vegetative reproduction called?

Stoneworts are less sensitive to water quality compared to other aquatic plants.

What is the maximum concentration of copper in open water that affects stonewort survival?

Stoneworts are important for enhancing water clarity by reducing _____ rates.

Match the following elements with their maximum concentration limits affecting stoneworts:

Which of the following pollutants are stoneworts particularly sensitive to?

Salinity has no effect on the growth and photosynthetic function of stoneworts.

What role do stoneworts play in stabilizing sediments?

What is one of the primary aims of conservation or restoration of habitats?

Dykes and gravel pits require the same conservation methods.

What type of habitat is primarily mentioned as benefiting molluscs and invertebrates?

The main male gamete in aquatic plants is known as an __________.

Match the terms with their definitions:

What successful method was identified at Eye Green for conservation?

All plants mentioned are monoecious, producing both male and female gametangia on the same plant.

What does 'benthic' refer to?

What is the primary function of rhizoids in charophyte plants?

Desmids are primarily found in saltwater environments.

What are the two main photosynthetic pigments found in desmids?

Desmids have two pronounced lobes that are connected by an __________.

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Study Notes

Stoneworts

Desmids

Studying That Suits You

Related Documents

Description

More Like This

Dressing of Stone - Objectives and Stages

Masonry Tombs and Temples Quiz

Stoneworts and Their Habitats

Stoneworts Overview and Conservation