Question

Why might red algae like Corallina sp. have calcium carbonate in their cell walls? How would if help the algae survive?

Answer 1

The algae Corallina sp. have calcium carbonate (limestone) deposit in their cell wall because

a. These calcium carbonate deposits makes their appearance rough and hard. Herbivores feeding on the algae often opts food from elsewhere because grazing on these calcified algae is almost like eating marbles.

b. The calcium carbonate deposits helps in the growth of reef.

The calcium carbonate deposits in Corallina sp. helps them in survival in many ways-

a. The calcium carbonate deposits, resists wave erosion.

b. They prevent themselves from grazing by the herbivres.

c. The deposits helps in cementing the reefs together into a sturdy structure.

d. They can survive well and can grow back the portion that is often eaten by the predators and they are well adapted in the environment.