MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR DIFFERENTIATION OF ULVA SPP. (ULVOPHYCEAE, CHLOROPHYTA) AND FUCUS SPP. (PHAEOPHYCEAE, OCHROPHYTA) OF THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WA, US

Abstract

Marine macroalgae are foundation species that play a critical ecological role in coastal communities as primary producers in the ecosystem. Both Ulva and Fucus genera are vital in intertidal communities serving a food source and shelter for other organisms. Previous studies were limited, focusing only on morphological characteristics of these algal genera. This project aimed to identify the diversity of Ulva and Fucus species using an integrated approach of morphological and molecular analysis in the San Juan Islands, WA, to better understand defining characteristics of species and overall biodiversity. Ulva (Ulvophyceae) and Fucus (Phaeophyceae) specimens were collected from the lower, mid, and upper intertidal zones; each representative having different macroscopic morphological characteristics and collected in varying tidal zones. The tufA and COI- 5P loci were amplified for Ulva and Fucus specimens, respectively, then sequenced. Our study indicates that morphological assessment of these genera alone is not definitive. Molecular-based classification of proper Ulva and Fucus species identification are important to understand the biodiversity within coastal ecosystems.