Book 6, Question 81
Why Is a Kelp Forest So Tall?
Giant kelp is a seaweed that races toward the light! It is a kind of algae, not a tree with wood. Even so, it can grow from the seafloor all the way up to the surface, as tall as a tree.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 6
More fun facts
- Giant kelp are the world's largest marine algae and often grow up to 115 feet tall.
- The tallest giant kelp on record was 215 feet tall.
- In good conditions, kelp can grow up to 18 inches in a single day.
- Divers say swimming through a kelp forest is like walking through a redwood forest.
- Unlike redwoods, giant kelp do not last long and can change quickly.
- Like trees in a forest, kelp gives food and shelter to many animals.
Sources: NASA Science, NOAA Ocean Service
Questions kids ask
How fast can kelp grow?
In good conditions, up to about 18 inches in one day.