Searching for sea slugs among long blades of seagrass isn’t easy. Richelle Tanner, a marine ecologist from Chapman University in California, knows this all too well. To study Taylor’s sea hare (Phyllaplysia taylori), she has to gently feel around in the grass, hoping to spot any small lumps. “You’re at the mercy of whether you can feel a tiny little lump in the grass,” she says.
These sea slugs, or sea hares, have bunny-ear-like features and camouflage themselves among the seagrass. They play a crucial role in keeping seagrass habitats healthy. Increasing temperatures and nutrient runoff can lead to harmful algae blooms, which choke off seagrasses. Fortunately, sea hares feast on this algae, acting like “little lawn mowers,” says Brent Hughes, a marine ecologist at Sonoma State University. They help keep the seagrass clean and able to photosynthesize.
Recent research by Tanner and her team indicates that Taylor’s sea hare might even withstand climate change, at least partially. They found that these sea hares can tolerate temperatures ranging from 24 to 35 degrees Celsius. Current average temperatures off the Pacific Coast are around 11 to 14 degrees Celsius, but models suggest that by 2100, ocean temperatures could rise by over 3 degrees Celsius.
Interestingly, Tanner’s study, published in Ecosphere, revealed that sea hare populations along the West Coast showed high genetic diversity despite being separated by large distances. This suggests that they might be intermingling more than previously believed. The researchers theorize that these creatures might travel along with uprooted seagrasses during storms, mixing populations.
Seagrasses are vital ecosystems. They store carbon, provide habitats for marine life, reduce ocean acidification, and protect shorelines. However, they are declining due to human activities and climate change. Tanner aimed to learn how sea hares respond to a changing climate, particularly their effects on eelgrass, a type of seagrass.
To test their temperature tolerance, Tanner’s team exposed sea hares from different populations to various lab temperatures. The results showed that the sea hares could withstand high temperature shocks, highlighting an incredible adaptability. Remarkably, this tolerance was not linked to their habitat temperatures or genetic variations. Tanner compares this to how humans adjust to seasonal shifts, implying that sea hares might possess a similar ability to acclimatize.
Hughes emphasizes the importance of understanding how much heat these sea hares can handle. This knowledge will guide future seagrass restoration efforts. “If the area gets too hot, it may not be wise to plant seagrass there,” he warns.
In the face of climate change, the resilience of these small sea hares could be a promising aspect of marine ecosystem management. By supporting healthy seagrass, they, in turn, protect vital marine habitats. Their story not only reflects the delicate interplay between species and ecosystems but serves as a reminder of what is at stake in our changing world.
For further insights, check out the study in Ecosphere here.
Check out this related article: Telemundo’s Bold Climate Commitment: Leading the Way for a Greener Future
Source link