 |
 |
|
Algal Systematics and Biodiversity
Index:
Contact information:Jaanika Blomster Department of Environmental Sciences P.O. Box 65 (Viikinkaari 1) FI-00014 University of Helsinki Finland jaanika.blomster(at)helsinki.fi Tel: +358-(0)9-19157822 |
 |
Systematics of Ulva
Ulva, the sea lettuce, is a common seaweed responsible for widespread "green tides" and marine fouling, both major environmental problems. Ulva (which also contains the former genus Enteromorpha) is found commonly throughout the world in marine, estuarine and freshwater habitats, including the Baltic Sea. Ulva species are tolerant of variable environments and benefit from eutrophication.
In our group we focus on resolving the systematics of Ulva . The morphology of the genus is strongly affected by the environment e.g. varying salinity. Therefore, we are using molecular systematic data (DNA sequence data) in combination with the morphological data for systematic analyses as well as to support taxonomic assignments. Currently we are concentrating on Ulva in the Baltic Sea as well as in fresh water Ulva-species. This work is being don in collaboration with Jan Mares at the University of South Bohemia (Czech Republic).
|
