Final answer:
The invasive Caulerpa algae genus defies normal expectations of the surface-area-to-volume ratio due to its unique single-cell structure that allows for rapid nutrient uptake and growth. Its invasion success is facilitated by the absence of natural predators, rapid spread, and resilience to local conditions, despite resource-constrained efforts to manage and control its proliferation in areas like Faial Island.
Step-by-step explanation:
The invasive Caulerpa algae genus breaks the rules of surface-area-to-volume ratio (SA:Vol) with its unique growth patterns. Typically, larger organisms have a smaller surface area relative to their volume which can limit nutrient uptake and gas exchange. However, the Caulerpa algae, despite their large size, consist of a single cell with multiple nuclei, enabling them to maintain a high SA:Vol ratio and facilitate efficient nutrient uptake and growth. These algae also possess certain characteristics such as fast growth rate, high re-colonization rate, and anti-grazer toxicity (caulerpenine) that contribute to their invasive success in new environments.
In locations such as Faial Island, the lack of natural controls like predators has allowed Caulerpa webbiana to spread rapidly, even though it is not considered invasive elsewhere. Human activities, particularly maritime traffic, have facilitated their spread. The algae's ability to withstand local temperatures, to quickly recover from disturbances, and their potential to spread through boat vectors to new areas, make their control and eradication challenging.
Efforts to manage the spread of Caulerpa in the Azores included periodic mapping and monitoring, utilizing volunteer divers and local stakeholders. However, resource constraints significantly hampered attempts at control. The invasive spread of these algae raises significant ecological concerns, as they out-compete native species, alter habitats, and threaten biodiversity.