Kelp
From Free net encyclopedia
{{Taxobox
| color = khaki
| name = Kelp
| image = Kelp forest.jpg
| image_caption = Californian kelp forest
| regnum = Protista
| divisio = Heterokontophyta
| classis = Phaeophyceae
| ordo = Laminariales
| subdivision_ranks = Families
| subdivision =
Alariaceae
Chordaceae
Laminariaceae
Lessoniaceae
Phyllariaceae
Pseudochordaceae
}}
Kelp are large seaweeds, belonging to the brown algae and classified in the order Laminariales. Despite their appearance they are not grouped with the normal aquatic or land plants (kingdom Plantae), but instead are included in either kingdom Protista or Chromista. There are about 30 different genera; sometimes members of the order Fucales are also considered kelp. Kelp grows in underwater forests (kelp forests) in clear, shallow, oceans, requiring nutrient rich water below about 20°C, it offers a protection to some sea creatures, or food for others. It is known for its high growth rate - the genus Macrocystis grows up to 30 cm per day, to a total length of over 60 metres.
Contents |
Morphology
Kelp grows in the form of long stalks, with leaflike blades at regular intervals. Each blade is supported by a float. For more on its morphology, see seaweeds.
Prominent species
- bull-head kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana), a northwestern American species. Used by coastal indigenous peoples to create fishing nets.
- giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), the largest seaweed. Found in the Pacific coast of North America.
- kombu (Laminaria japonica), an edible species of kelp found in Japan.
Uses
Kelp ash is calcined and rich in iodine and alkali. In great amount, kelp ash can be used in soap and glass production. Alginate, a kelp-derived carbohydrate, is used to thicken products like ice cream, jelly, salad dressing, and toothpaste, as well as in manufactured goods.
Interactions
Some animals are named after the kelp, either because they inhabit the same habitat as kelp or because they feed on kelp.
History
Kelp ore was discovered in Pacific City, Oregon, in 1904 by Thomas Brooten (pronounced Brahton) who built a large compound to which patients from all over the U.S. (and some foreign countries) came for the healing properties of the ore. The resort was later turned over to his son H.H. Brooten who ran the business for many years. The sick would bathe in special baths, apply it directly to the skin, or take it by mouth. There appeared to be redeeming properties to the ore and it was used by many as a last resort to heal their ailment. This helped put the area on the map (literally). The famous Brooten Kelp Ore Resort flourished until it's peak during the 1920s when an outbreak of tuberculosis eventually closed the enterprise.
- Kelp crab (Pugettia producta), the Pacific coast of North America.
- Kelpfish (blenny) (e.g., Heterosticbus rostratus, genus Gibbonsia), the Pacific coast of North America.
- Kelp Goose (kelp hen) (Ocydromus fuscus), South America and the Falkland Islands
- kelp pigeon (sheathbill) (Chionis sp), Antarctic
See also
- Kelp forest
- bladder wrack
- Kelp Records
- KeLP programing system
- Monterey Bay Aquarium, which displays a kelp forest and its wildlife.de:Kelp