31 Effects of light and ammonium on growth,ammonium uptake and pigmentation of four porphyra (bangiales,rhodophyta) species native to the northwestern atlantic

“Phytopia: Discovery of the Marine Ecosystem” is an educational CD‐ROM that features a wealth of new images, animations, microscope‐ and satellite‐derived data sets, and multimedia discovery tools. It has received support from NASA and the National Science Foundation and can ordered on‐line through http://www.bigelow.org/phytopia . A pre‐release version of the “Phytopia” was tested by students, educators, and scientists at 34 institutions in Britain, Germany, Russia, and throughout the U.S. This product is designed for use in undergraduate classes; however, our testing has shown that it provides an exciting and interactive learning experience appropriate for Grades 7 and higher. The virtual microscope tool allows the user to view prepared assemblages of plankton at various magnifications, under different epifluorescence conditions, or by scanning electron microscopy. For several species, the user can view movies showing the organism's motility. Some species are featured as three‐dimensional models that can be viewed from any perspective. “Phytopia” also helps users connect ocean primary productivity patterns with environmental factors in several geographic areas. Innovative tools allow investigation of co‐registered temperature, wind, current, nutrient, and ocean color data. This tool is aligned with research efforts to better understand plankton ecology using remotely sensed data.