1. Brown Algae: Phylum Phaeophyta Brown algae belong to phylum (or “division”) Phaeophyta Color varies from olive green to dark brown, but are classified by having a preponderance of yellow-brown photosynthetic pigments, particularly fucoxanthin Nearly all 1,500 species are marine Include the largest and most complex seaweeds

2. Brown Algae: Phylum Phaeophyta Many species have gas-filled floats (pneumatocysts); e.g., rockweeds or wracks, Sargassum weed http://www.physorg.com/news100350969.html

3. Brown Algae: Phylum Phaeophyta The kelps are the most complex and largest of all brown algae – Consist of a single, or numerous large blade(s) – The stipes of giant kelp, Macrocystis can reach lengths of 100 m and grow ~1 ft per day! – Provides food and shelter for many other marine organisms http://www.rmrs.nau.edu/usamab/general%20description%20channel%20islands.htm

4. KELP!!!

5. http://sbc.lternet.edu/sites/biome_kelpforest.htmlhttp://blackcormorant.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/kelpurchins_415_030.jpg http://www.otterproject.org/atf/cf/%7B1032ABCB-19F9-4CB6-8364-2F74F73B3013%7D/Otter_image4.jpg Kelp community with sea otters Kelp community without sea otters