Scientific name: Zostera marina
Common name(s): Eelgrass
Name as shown in Phylogenes: Eelgrass
Ploidy: Diploid(2x)
Description:
Zostera marina or Eelgrass, is the most widespread polyphyletic subtidal monocot seagrass of the Zosteraceae family. Found in most continents with the exception of Antarctica, this Eelgrass controls erosion by dampening ocean wave and wind currents that impact shorelines around the world. Eelgrass is considered one of the highly productive ecosystems for this reason and being able to nurture several marine species - fish and invertebrates along being a great source for carbon sequestration, food source to other marine species, and bioremediation.
Eelgrass being widespread has provided insight through its complex adaptation evolution history regarding marine conditions, specifically at its cell wall.
Reference(s):
- Olsen JL, et al. The genome of the seagrass Zostera marina reveals angiosperm adaptation to the sea. Nature. 2016 Feb 18;530(7590):331-5. doi: 10.1038/nature16548.
Genome Database(s):