Pollution
Undersea Plants: Serrated Wrack
Have you ever heard of a serrated wrack? Most people have not. Serrated wrack is flat, olive brown algae with serrated edges. The entire plant grows about 150 centimeters [five feet] long. The frond, a divided leaf, can grow to be two centimeters wide. Serrated wracks are photoautotrophic which means they change light energy into food energy by using photosynthesis. Serrated wrack is found on hard substances near the bottom of the ocean.
Also known as "toothed wrack," the serrated is commonly located near the Swedish coastline. Serrated wracks can be found in dense populations about forty-five feet down or in banks or low waters around a depth of four feet. In both of these locations, many microscopic creatures can be found attached to the wrack’s fronds.
Pollution can cause serrated wracks to wither and die. Oil spills severely damage serrated wrack. Huge ships carring oil sometimes spill oil into the ocean causing massive damage. Since the serrated wrack’s leaves help to protect tiny creatures of the ocean, an oil spill which kills the serrated wrack would leave the tiny creatures of the sea unprotected.
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More Information
Amazing Ocean Fact!
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A female serrated wrack can release over one million eggs. |