The Genus Cladophora Kützing (Ulvophyceae) as a Globally Distributed Ecological Engineer |
| |
Authors: | Shahrizim B Zulkifly James M Graham Erica B Young Robert J Mayer Michael J Piotrowski Izak Smith Linda E Graham |
| |
Institution: | 1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, , Selangor, Malaysia;2. Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin‐Madison, , Madison, Wisconsin, 53706 USA;3. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin‐Milwaukee, , Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53211 USA;4. Department of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla, , Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, 00604 USA |
| |
Abstract: | The green algal genus Cladophora forms conspicuous nearshore populations in marine and freshwaters worldwide, commonly dominating peri‐phyton communities. As the result of human activities, including the nutrient pollution of nearshore waters, Cladophora‐dominated periphyton can form nuisance blooms. On the other hand, Cladophora has ecological functions that are beneficial, but less well appreciated. For example, Cladophora has previously been characterized as an ecological engineer because its complex structure fosters functional and taxonomic diversity of benthic microfauna. Here, we review classic and recent literature concerning taxonomy, cell biology, morphology, reproductive biology, and ecology of the genus Cladophora, to examine how this alga functions to modify habitats and influence littoral biogeochemistry. We review the evidence that Cladophora supports large, diverse populations of microalgal and bacterial epiphytes that influence the cycling of carbon and other key elements, and that the high production of cellulose and hydrocarbons by Cladophora‐dominated periphyton has the potential for diverse technological applications, including wastewater remediation coupled to renewable biofuel production. We postulate that well‐known aspects of Cladophora morphology, hydrodynamically stable and perennial holdfasts, distinctively branched architecture, unusually large cell and sporangial size and robust cell wall construction, are major factors contributing to the multiple roles of this organism as an ecological engineer. |
| |
Keywords: |
Cladophora
ecological engineer periphyton |
|
|