On the Oregon Coast, there is an incredible
array of animals, ranging from whales and
sea lions to salmon and crab.
But, closer to shore, in the shallows of the
tide pools, lives an organism that is highly
adapted to the harsh conditions of the inter-tidal
zone.
This animal has a harpoon defense system and
lives in a colony comprised of clones of itself.
It can rely on photosynthesis in addition
to eating.
Among the sea stars and muscles, resides this
alien and sophisticated creature:
The sea anemone.
A species exclusive to the west coast of North
America, is Anthopleura Elegantissima.
Its gently swaying arms and stationary positioning
may draw some to the assumption that Antopleura
is a plant, though in actuality, it is an
animal.
One of the ways Antropleura is able to thrive
is its remarkable ability to work with other
organisms.
Algae are one of the anemone's essential partners
and we can see this by observing on the cellular
level.
The anemone offers its cells as a safe refuge
for the algae, and in turn, the algae pass
along the products of photosynthesis, providing
energy to the host.
The anemone can provide a home to nearly a
billion individual algae.
The world on the cellular level is only the
first glimpse into a complex network of relationships.
A closer look reveals this world and we can
see into the bustling city that is the microbiome.
Scientists are just beginning to understand
the microbiome within the anemone and the
benefits the microbes provide to their hosts.
One of the most remarkable feats performed
by Antopleura is that of cloning.
Imagine ripping yourself in half and ending
up with two exact copies of yourself.
This is essentially what Antopleura does.
It then arranges the colony of clones in order
to protect the inner most individuals.
This allows them to devote all of their energy
and resources towards reproducing while the
outermost provide defense.
These individuals utilize their stinging cells
or nematocysts to ward off encroaching colonies.
The operation of the nematocysts is nothing
short of remarkable.
When stimulated, a tiny trap door opens up
to reveal a spring-loaded harpoon.
This harpoon launches and embeds itself into
the intruder and instantaneously begins injecting
venom into the victim like a tiny hypodermic
needle.
Warring anemone colonies will then retreat,
creating a demilitarized zone where a buffer
exists that both colonies are comfortable
with.
Anemones are among the most successful creatures
in the inter tidal zone.
They are able to thrive in highly variable
environments, up and down the coast from the
warmer waters of Baja, to the colder climate
of British Columbia.
Scientists believe we have a great deal that
can be learned from these fascinating creatures
occupying our tide pools.
Their remarkable ability to work with other
organisms and thrive in varying environments
give us clues as to how they may adapt to
a changing ocean environment.
