Description: |
One of the fastest-growing organisms on Earth, giant kelp can grow 2 feet a day and reach almost 150 feet in length -- in one growing season. Growth spurts of this large seaweed are fueled by a diet of dissolved nitrogen. One of the main forms of nitrogen is nitrate, and although nitrate is scarce in the summer and fall, giant kelp continues to grow year-round. Researchers wanted to determine how giant kelp maintained its impressive growth in seasons when nitrate all but disappears. [Source: National Science Foundation]
|
|