Gary Rosenberg wrote:
>
> Photographs and the full text of the article in Science News can be seen at
> <http://www.sciencenews.org/sn_arc98/7_4_98/content.htm>. The alga is being
> called a mutant because its fronds are three times the size of those of
> normal Caulerpa taxifolia.
>
> Gary
 
Hello!
 
Hi Gary and all,
 
Now! Now! The term "mutant" was not used in the article.
 
To quote Science News;
 
"The alien's unusual character is fueling a strong suspicion that it
isn't the same species as the C. taxifolia long observed in other seas.
It may be a hybrid or even a new species that evolved through selective
pressures in the aquarium industry. To investigate these possibilities,
the Nice researchers are comparing the shape, culturing habits, and
genetics of the Mediterranean plant against those of C. taxifolia
growing elsewhere."
 
This same effect, lush green leaves, can be seen in spinach. Grow them
in lime rich soils and you get a superb leafy crop. Grow them in lime
poor soils and you get runty leafed spinach.
 
Maybe it is the composition of the environment that creates the lush
aggresive growth. The Med is pretty well polluted with nutrient runoff.
 
Later,
 
Emilio Jorge Power