Description
The hybrid form of Caulerpa taxifolia was most likely produced as a result of the tropical form having been captively bred for a number of years by the Saltwater Aquarium at the Wilhelmina Zoo in Stuttgart Germany. They were trying to identify a hearty breed of seaweed that could be used commercially in saltwater aquariums that was also very attractive to the eye with a form and color that would make a beautiful backdrop for exotic fish. After having been exposed to tank chemicals and ultraviolet lights over the course of several years, it is believed that, unbeknownst to the staff at the time, these abiotic stressors created the current mutant form of Caulerpataxifolia. Samples were sent to various institutions, including the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco, where it was probably leaked into the environment. A marine biologist, Alexandre Meinsz, first discovered it under the windows of that Museum when it was first found in the sea as a small patch of about a square meter. It spread to cover more than 2.5 acres in less than five years and by 1997 it covered more than 11,000 acres along the coast of the Mediterranean, reaching North Africa.
- Research this species, Caulerpa taxifolia , and describe its physical appearance. Relate its physical properties to what you perceive to be the reason it can be so invasive.
- What are some of the reactions/actions being taken to eradicate existing invasion and prevent further invasion by this species?
- Research an invasive species and write two to three paragraphs about it in your own words.
Explanation & Answer
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Caulerpa taxifolia
Introduction
Caulerpa taxifolia is an alga of the seaweed species and the genus Caulerpa. It belongs to the
Eukaryota domain, Viridiplantae kingdom, Chlorophyta division, Bryosidophyceae class,
Bryosidales order, and Caulerpaceae family (Montefalcone, 2726). It is thus an aquatic plant,
whose place of origin is the Indian Ocean. It is mostly uses as an ornament, in aquariums
because it attractive and has a neat arrangement, it is also easy to take care of. Caulerpa taxifolia
is one of the two most invasive species as recorded by IUCN group of specialist.
The physical appearance
It is green in color and it appears in form of a stem (rhizome) which spreads on the sea bed, and
from the rhizome, there grows fern-like pinnae which makes it look like a fern. Beyond this
appearance, Caulerpa taxifolia has a complex vascular system that allows that allows it transport
nutrients to all its parts, which are manufactured through photosynthesis (Wiltshire, n.p). This
plant contain a chemical substance in its leaves called caulerpicin, which he...