Cryofrond

The Cryofrond has evolved from its ancestor the Anchored Cryosagania from a colony of cells to a distinct organism. Its cells have lost its flagella, and it now has three distinct cell forms: foliar, anchor and reproductive. The foliar cells form the “Steve”-shaped frond and are used for photosynthesis. The anchor cells form a root-like structure and provide support for the organism and hold it to the substrate. These anchors are also capable of growing laterally through the substrate and producing new fronds, establishing large fields of runners. The reproductive cells are specialized cells which grow once the Cryofrond has reached full size. They are positioned along the edge of the frond and will break off of the parent and drift until landing in new substrate and growing. Through both runner roots and their fragmentary reproductive cells, the Cryofrond can take control of a large area of seabed. Its fronds will die each year as winter sets in and light disappears from the polar waters, but its anchors remain dormant in the substrate and will regrow new fronds each spring.