Cattails and Algae

In our world today, there are many instances of introduced species. Generally, non-native
species are detrimental to the survival of native species as they take over important resources that
natives need. The green algae and the cattail are examples of competing species in the Arroyo
Seco Park. These two species share similar living conditions which guarantees their inevitable
encounter in moist environments. Native species, such as the green algae, are important as they
contribute to biodiversity and the balance of the ecosystem. However, the introduction of foreign
species such as cattails poses a significant threat to the overall health of the ecosystem. Although
algae is a small simple life form, its existence benefits more complex life forms. Consequently,
its absence in aquatic ecosystems would deprive animals like frogs, crayfish and water bears
from obtaining food, ultimately preventing them from living in the area and impacting the
aquatic food web (Department of Conservation). Therefore, any disturbance towards the green
algae's needs also affects biodiversity in wetland ecosystems. Furthermore, green algae produces
oxygen through photosynthesis which benefits our planet since it has been contributing oxygen
to the Earths atmosphere for the past 3 billion years (Department of Conservation). Without
the added help of algae, there would be less oxygen supply. Thus, there is a bigger impact than
what is immediately seen.
The green algae, scientifically known as chlorophyta, is an indigenous species (Green
Algae). It is a eukaryotic organism that uses water and sunlight as a resource for its
sustenance. It is commonly found in water, which maximizes the amount of nutrients they
absorb. The abiotic habitat requirements of the green algae are non-turbulent waters and
sufficient sunlight (Department of Conservation). Sunlight is an essential source of energy to
the green algae, given that it is an autotroph that produces its own food through photosynthesis.
The green algae is nowhere near extinction or endangerment. However, the presence of a more
competitive producer will definitely hinder and reduce its overall growth.
On the other hand, the Cattail, scientifically known as typha, is a non-native species.
Similarly, this plant also requires sunlight and water to live. Although it is a native species in
wetlands, it can potentially grow in any ecosystem with water, earth and sunlight. Its seeds
structural advantage allows the Cattail species to travel far distances and start colonizing if their
habitat conditions are met. Cattails grow rapidly when provided with sufficient water sources,
thanks to their rhizome system. Furthermore, typha can also grow into thick canopies of grass
that can cover up an entire lake when allowed to grow uncontrolled. This particular trait of
the typha lets it dominate wetland ecosystem since the other semi-aquatic plants usually get
covered by the thick grass, consequently leaving most of the sunlight to the cattails. (Shipley et
al., 1989).
We hypothesize that the non-native cattail will have a negative impact on the growth and
quality of life in an ecosystem by outcompeting a fundamental species in the food chain, the
green algae.
Collectively, we believe that our hypothesis is supported both by our observations during
our labs field trip to Arroyo Seco and through our extensive research on both species. Since

sunlight is the main source of energy to the green algae, any obstruction to sufficient sunlight
will hinder its growth and survival. The green algae is at a disadvantage since it is only able to
catch sunlight on the surface of the water, where it floats. The cattails advantage of height and
its rhizome system poses a serious threat to the growth of the green algae. The cattails ability to
cover entire lakes and bodies of water allows it to maximize its intake of sunlight while blocking
the green algae in its shade. Thus, it is safe to say that the Cattail is the superior competitor.
Future research can be done on "algal blooms" or "blue-green algae" and
their interaction with cattails. Despite the fact that algae are simple eukaryotic organisms (that
aids the progression of biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems), they only need sunlight and water for
sustenance as they can easily adapt and grow in water-based ecosystems. As a result, the
Environmental Protection Agency has noted that "Algal Blooms" have been found in all 50 states
and that they are caused by fertilizer runoff disposed by crops (since plants only ingest what they
need and get rid of any excess). According to the EPA, algal blooms "are overgrowths of algae in
water", which in essence are massive examples of algae colonization. Moreover, the EPA stresses
that algal bloom produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals, create "deadzones" in
water, raise treatment costs for drinking water, and hurt industries (economically) that depend on
clean water ("Department of Conservation").
As a result, our collective evidence suggests that cattail can be used to repel and suppress the
negative repercussions algal blooms cause. Given that both of these species compete for
sunlight, the cattail would have an advantage, since it grows tall and gives it direct access to
sunlight and blocks the algae's ability to get some. By introducing cattail into areas where
toxic algal blooms are thriving, it will ultimately keep the algae controlled and stimulate
biodiversity in the affected ecosystems. Lastly, Our findings can be used as a stepping stone into
future extensive research that can help reduce water pollution, prevent the spread of diseases, and
improve ecology world-wide.

Works Cited
Cattails. (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2015, from http://www.cattails.info/
Department of Conservation. (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2015,
from http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-plants/freshwater-algae/"Green Algae."
EPA. (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2015,
from http://www2.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/harmful-algal-blooms
Green algae. (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2015,
from http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/green_algae.htm
Shipley, B., Keddy P.A., Moore, D.R.J., Lemky, K. (1989). Regeneration and
establishment strategies of emergent macrophytes. Journal of Ecology 77, 10931110.