Genetic ResouRces ouR HeRitaGeapRil 29tH to May 1st 2012

QuRuM natuRal paRk

teacHeRs GuiDe

oVeRVieWBiodiversity is defined as the variety of life forms on earth. It includes Ecosystem diversity, species diversity as well as genetic diversity. Ecosystem diversity involves all the abiotic and biotic aspects of the environment. The environment influences the well being and distribution of plants and animals and the functions of the ecosystem. All life, including human life depends on the flow of energy and the circulation of materials through the ecosystem through the food chain. Species diversity is the diversity of different forms of life known as species (group of interbreeding individuals living together in a similar environment and reproductively isolated from other groups). The species diversity is currently declining very fast. The current species extinction rate is between 1,000 and 10,000 times higher than the fossil record (IUCN).

Genetic diversity is the variety of genes within a particular species, variety or breed. Genetic diversity is created, enhanced and maintained by evolutionary forces such as mutation, migration, selection and genetic drift. Loss in genetic diversity leads to loss in information and products. It is the diversity of genes in genetic resources that enables them to adapt to a changing environment and is the basis of survival and evolution. Genetic diversity helps a species withstand natural catastrophes, normal population changes and human influence.

Genetic ResouRces

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Genetic resources are defined as biological materials of actual or potential value containing functional units of heredity. Essentially, they are the biological diversity at the genetic level that has, or may have, value. They include plants, animals or micro—organisms which carry genetic information (in the form of genes or DNA) of value as a resource for future generations of humanity.

A gene is the basic physical and functional unit of heredity. Genes, which are made up of DNA, act as instructions to make molecules called proteins. Some of these proteins are responsible for the adaptation of an organism to its environment. The value in the genetic resources come from the uniqueness and diversity of genetic information they carry allowing it to standout from other genetic resources.

Genetic Resources in omanThanks to Oman’s unique, diverse climatic conditions, size and geographical location it is blessed with an abundant and unique fauna and floral biodiversity, including at the genetic level. This unique pool of genetic resources spans the entire animal and plant worlds, both domesticated and wild, as well as the world of micro-organisms. The potential wealth of Omani genetic resources has been highlighted by numerous professionals, thought leaders and practitioners.

Despite Oman’s arid climate, it possesses abundant domesticated animal and crop genetic diversity. The unique geo-conditions have given birth to a diverse range of aridity tolerant plant genetic resources, with some lands being a breadbasket of unique genetic resources in the Arabian Peninsula. It also benefits from numerous wild species, but many of them are critically endangered to extinction. Oman also posseses unique marine genetic diversity, accessible from it’s long shores recognized by scientists around the world. The climatic conditions and multiplicity of ecosystems also mean that Oman has a rich microbial life

Our genetic resources will be our legacy for the future generations, which is currently under threat, and and hence needs to be protected for our own welfare and the future generations.

The uniqueness of Oman means that it has a moral and scientific obligation to conserve valuable genetic resources. Beyond scientific and moral reasons, Oman’s genetic resources are of direct value to humankind. Most importantly, genetic resources are the raw materials of many health benefits, Genetic resources are the basis for commodities, consumer goods and innovative products in numerous industries. Food security could be enhanced through the conservation and better exploitation of indigenous genetic resources.

A range of global and regional environmental factors are putting genetic diversity at risk. Factors aggravated by an overexploitation of natural resources putting unbearable pressure on genetic resources. Many invasive and introduced exotic species are a great challenge to the unique genetic diversity of Oman. Oman is rapidly changing due to substantial development which can adversely impact genetic resources. Oman has a changing landscape made worse by lost traditional agricultural practices and hence genetic biodiversity. Man has contributed to the rate of extinction.

Our genetic resources will be our legacy for the future generations and hence needs to be protected for our own welfare and the welfare of future generations.

There are efforts underway to conserve these genetic resources. With the establishment of the Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Center (APGRC) the efforts will be increased.

Raising awareness on the importance of conserving genetic resources and utilizing them sustainably is in line with the Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Center’s mission, vision and goals. The APGRC is proposing to hold a three day interactive event for school children in April or when suitable for schools.

The proposed event is intended to raise awareness and to introduce school children to issues related to genetic resources and their diversity. It will allow school children to interactively engage in activities that will allow them to see touch and work with Oman’s genetic resources. It will also try to implant the idea that genetic resources are our heritage and it is important to conserve them for current and future generations.

the Research council Dr Nadiya Al-Saady (Chair)

Dr Talal Al-Balushi

Ms. Jamila Al-Hinai

Ms. Marwa Al-Mahfoudhi

Mohamed Al-Quateiy

Suleiman Al-Shibani

Fahad Al-Tamimi

Saleh Al-Adawi

Abdullah Al-Mahrouqi

Mahmood Al-Riyami

collaborating organizations

Diwan of Royal court oman Botanic Garden

Ms. Laila Al-Harthy

Ms. Zawan Al-Qassbi

environment society of oman Ms. Dima Radwan

Ministry of agriculture and Fisheries Wealth agriculture and livestock Research

Eng. Safaa Al-Farsi

Marine science and Fisheries center

Ms. Wahida Al-Amri

Ms. Fatma Al-Kiyumi

Ministry of education unesco program

Ms. Amna Al-Belushi

Ministry of environment and climate affairs Ms Eiman Al-Azri

Ministry of Heritage and culture Ms. Raiya Al-Kindi

Royal court affairs Mr. Hilal Al-Shamakhi

sultan Qaboos university college of agricultural and Marine sciences

Dr Michel Claereboudt

college of science

Dr Salim Al-Rawahi

Ms. Ratiba Al-Maaini

indian school Darsait Jackson Achunkunju

oRGanizinG coMMittee

The Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Center (APGRC) of the Research Council, along with its partners has organized a fun filled event for you to learn about the beautiful, plants, animals, marine and microbial species of Oman.

Today we will:

• See and learn about some of the beautiful animals, plants, fish and other creatures of Oman

• Find out where we can find them in Oman

• Look at what good things they can do for us and our environment

tHe eVent

tHe MaRine WoRlDWHat’s unDeR tHe sea?

tHe plant WoRlDHoW GReen can it Be?

tHe aniMal WoRlDWHy Do you neeD Me?

tHe MicRoBial WoRlDoH, can you see Me?

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tHe MaRine WoRlDWHat’s unDeR tHe sea?

Oman with it’s long coastline, has abundant marine fauna, with over 19 marine mammals, 1000 fish species, 130 coral species and 5 turtle species. Oman encompasses in its marine organisms, the pelagic fishes, dermersal fishes, cartilaginous fishes, coral reef fishes, seaweeds, shellfish, green turtles, whales and dolphins to name a few. The southern coasts of Oman, the Arabian Sea coasts of Oman, are characterised with high rate of fish biodiversity. From this region, over 70 species of fishes were recorded for the first time in Oman. There are many marine algae and microorganism as well found in the seas of Oman which have the potential of providing us with useful products.

A lot of work is currently going on to study the marine diversity in Oman. Marine genetic resources are not only important as a source of food, they also carry the potential of being useful as medicines, cosmetics and in industrial production. It is important that we know, protect our marine ecosystems, biodiversity and genetic diversity and utilize them sustainably.

oMan’s MaRine Genetic ResouRces

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Clownfishes (Nemo fish) belong to a small group of fishes (about 40 species worldwide) that are at the same time quite beautiful and very strange in many regards. In Oman, we have three species of clownfishes that differ in color patterns: the Omani clownfish, Clark’s clownfish and the sebae clownfish. All clownfishes live in symbiosis with a sea anemone. Sea anemone are large fleshy cousins of corals and are thus animals that capture their food from the plankton in the water using their tentacles covered in stinging cells. Amazingly, the clownfish is not stung by the anemone: it seems that the fish cloak itself in a thin layer of mucus that the sea anemone believe is its own and because sea anemone never sting themselves the fish escape. The Omani clownfish (Amphiprion omanensis in Latin) is an endemic (that is only found in one country or one place) species of the Sultanate of Oman. It is found only near Mirbat, the Halleniyat Islands in Dhofar and near Masirah and Bar Al-Hikman and inhabits all the species of sea anemone found in these areas. Clark’s clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii in Latin) on the other hand, is very common everywhere in the Indo-Pacific ocean and is found from the Red Sea all the way to southern Japan, Papua new Guinea, the Great Barrier Reef. It is the most common species of clownfishes in Oman where it lives in all but one species of sea anemone but curiously it is not found in the Arabian Sea. Sebae clownfish (Amphiprion sebae in Latin) is the rarest of all three species in Oman. It is only found in the Gulf of Oman where it lives in a single species of sea anemone called carpet anemone because of the very flat shape of the animal. The clownfishes only leave their anemone to feed on the plankton in the water. They usually lay their eggs close to the anemone, on a rock and protect them until they hatch. The larvae then live in the water, as part of the plankton, for 2-3 weeks to then look for another sea anemone to live on. Most larvae die from starvation, prey of larger fish or simply never arrive in an area where they can find a sea anemone to live in.

cloWnFisHes oF oMan

tHe actiVityLearn about the three types of clownfishes of Oman.

How similar and how different they are. Where do they live?

How they live in symbiosis with the sea anemone.

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How would identify the Omani clown fish from its other two “cousins”?

Photos: Courtesy of Dr Michel Claereboudt

The Omani clownfish (Amphiprion omanensis in Latin)

Clark’s clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii in Latin)

Sebae clownfish (Amphiprion sebae in Latin)

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color in the clownfish 13

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Olive Ridley Hawks bill Loggerhead Green Turtle Leather back

photo courtesy of Environment Society of Oman

Learn about the five types of turtles in Oman. How their mouths help them in feeding on different things.

How different are the heads of the 5 turtle species?

Why do you think their mouths are different?

How different are their shells?

tHe actiVity

Questions

tuRtles in oMan

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There are five species of turtles that live in the Omani waters, they include four nesting turtles: the endangered Green Turtles, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley and critically endangered Hawksbill and one visiting Turtle the Leatherback, locally known as Sul Hafah Al Khuthera, Rimani, Al-Sherfaf, Al Zaytooni and Al-Niml respectively. Turtles the cold blooded reptiles are one of the oldest’s marine species of Oman. The nesting activities of the green turtles can be found in Ras Al Hadd. Masirah Island hosts all four of Oman’s nesting turtles, with the Loggerhead nesting population being one of the largest in the world. the Damaniyat islands host the nesting activities of the Hawksbill Turtles. The 5 species of turtles have distinct differences in their sizes, color shapes as well as mouth parts. Each species has mouth parts that are specifically situated to feed on different types of food. The Green Turtles can weigh about 200 kg and feed on seaweeds and other green plants. Green Turtles lay about 110 eggs in a clutch. The Hawksbill much smaller in size about 70 kg feed on soft corals, sea grasses and seaweeds. They lay about 100 to 160 eggs in a clutch. The Loggerheads weigh about 150 kg. They have powerful jaws which allow them to feed on hard shelled jellyfish. They lay about a 100 eggs in a clutch. The Olive Ridley is a small turtle that weighs about 40kg and feeds on seaweeds and sea grasses and can lay about 100 eggs per clutch. The Leatherback Turtle a giant turtle reaching between 400 to 900 kgs, feed on jellyfish. They lay about 80 eggs per clutch. Apart from being threatend by natural predators the survival of the turtle species is greatly affected by human activities such as disturbance by campers, off road driving, coastal developments and pollution. Greater awareness needs to be raised to ensure the protection of these valuable species.

Explore the underwater world with different types of common fish species like tuna, sardine, kingfish and other marine animals and coral reefs etc.

tHe actiVity

FooD netWoRk

TURTLE

PHYTOPLANKTON

ZOOPLANKTONFI

SHER

REEF FISH

SHARK

TUNA

SAILFISH

SEA

WEE

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BOTTOM FEEDERS

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أبو رشاع

القرش

السلحفاة التونا

سمك املرجان

املتغذي عىل األع�ق حرالب

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Photos Courtesy of Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Wealth, Marine and Fisheries Genetic Center

coRal FisHes oF oMan

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notes

tHe plant WoRlDHoW GReen can it Be?

Plant genetic resources are important to Oman, whether they are for agriculture or for other purposes such as medicinal and aesthetic.

Oman is blessed with abundant species of plants which reach over 1200 species. The biodiversity of Oman’s plants reflects its position between two bio-geographic regions, northern Oman’s more closely resembles that of Asia, whereas further south the principal influence is Africa.

The unique geo conditions of Oman have enabled the Sultanate to develop a diversity of plant genetic resources, and more importantly its land races that have adapted to the harsh conditions of Oman over years. That diversiy includes the economically important fruit trees such as the date palm, mango, banana, coconut and temperate crops such as plums, peaches and pomegranate found in Jabal Al-Akhdar. The diversity of agricultural crops also includes vegetables and forage crops, some indigenous to Oman.

As with all genetic resources the resources are under threat from environmental and human impact and thus need to be conserved. There are efforts under way to collect and conserve these genetic resources.

oMan’s plant Genetic ResouRces

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Color the picture and draw oranges in the plate.

So many types of citrus (oranges, lime, grapefruit, etc.) exist in Oman, some big, some small, some bitter and some sweet. Some of them can be peeled very easily while others are difficult to peel. The variation in the citrus is due to the genetic information they carry.

During the last decades many citrus species were introduced to Oman. These citruses became adapted to the conditions in Oman. They have now become part of the Omani diet. There are local varieties of citrus that have existed for long periods in Oman, such as the sweet lime, and the Omani acid lime. It is common to introduce new species of plants as long as they do not compete with the local varieties.

The only problem of introducing foreign varieties is that the local varieties are then neglected since the introduced varieties are usually improved varieties. We have to be aware and make sure that the local varieties are maintained and enjoyed along with the introduced varieties.

DiFFeRent citRus oF oMan

Explore the different types of citrus that are found in Oman. Look at the differences in their shape, size and color. Each type is different in its taste as well. Enjoy the beautiful variation of citrus.

tHe actiVity

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Color the picture.

SARRAYACOOLEY‹ƒc É©jô°S

SARRAYACOOLEY‹ƒc É©jô°S

MISSANYÊÉ°ù«e

Bread wheat has always been important for the Omani population and will continue to be the most important staple food in the Omani diet. Oman imports a large amount of its wheat from other countries but nevertheless the local varieties of wheat are valuable genetic resources. Many different varieties have been discovered including one new to science. This indicates that possibly Oman is a secondary or tertiary center of diversity for wheat. Wheat is grown mainly in the Al-Dhahira and interior regions of Oman, and more recently in the Al-Batinah Region. Oman varieties of wheat have local names such as Cooley, Missany and Sarraya.

Local Omani wheat varieties are important in that they have survived in the hot and dry conditions of Oman for many, many years and have thus adapted to the harsh conditions. We need to collect, characterize and conserve these varieties as they carry the genetic information for survival under arid conditions and tolerance to diseases of wheat in Oman. With the changing climate the Omani wheat varieties will provide the genes for survival under hot and dry conditions which would help in food security for Oman and the world at large.

WHeats oF oMan

Explore the wheat plant. Remember this is what is used to make your bread! Distinguish the different types that are found in Oman. Look at the differences especially in the parts that carry the seeds.

How different are the plants of wheat you saw?

What is the difference in their flower parts?

How many rows of seeds are in each type of wheat?

What do we use wheat for?

tHe actiVity

Questions

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Photo courtesy of Oman Botanic Garden, Diwan of Royal Court

plants oF oMan

Explore the different plants of Oman including some wild plants. Look how similar some of the seeds look but yet when the plants grow they look so different.

tHe actiVity

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Oman is very rich in flora, it has a round 1200 species. From this 1200 species 79 are found nowhere else in the world (endemic). The main vegetation diversity is found in Dhofar and the northern mountains. Dhofar, the seasonal rainforest in the south is lush during summer monsoon (khareef ), and it is home to the country’s endemic flora. The central desert has much less plants. Nearly half of the flowering plants are annuals, which flower after the rains. This happens during and after the monsoon season in Dhofar, and in the spring in the northern mountains.

The vegetation cover, in Oman, faces many threats such as over-grazing, development, off-road driving and climate change. Many of the natural lands have been lost because of the over using of them for road construction and for animal grazing (goats, cows, camels and donkeys). So there is an urgent need to save and conserve these plants.

for illustrative purposes only

Omani indigenous legume crops have survived in Oman for long periods of time and have adapted to the hot and dry conditions of the Sultanate. The plants on display are Omani varieties and also know as plant genetic resources, because they provide us and our animals with food. They also help other plants grow better by fixing nitrogen in the soil. They have grown in Oman for many years, passed on from generation to generation. They have adapted to the weather of Oman, and the different diseases that affect them. The different legumes that exist in Oman include; chick peas, cow peas, mung beans, pigeon peas, fenugreek, field peas, alfalfa etc.

There is a variation in the seeds and plants from one variety or species to another and it is this variation that allows the species to adapt to different conditions. The Omani varieties are disappearing due to changes in our environment such as diseases and changing climate but more so due to human activities such as construction, lack of the younger generation interest in working in agriculture and lack of awareness. We need to collect and protect these genetic resources.

leGuMes oF oMan

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Explore different types of legume plants along with their seeds. Look at the differences in the shape, color and size of their leaves and seeds. Look at whether the plants stand upright or they need support.

Discover how we clean the seeds, sort and count them before we store them in the Genebank. A genebank is a cold room where seeds are stored for long periods so we can use them later.

Try to guess how many seeds are in the bottle before using the machine to count them?

tHe actiVity

Questions

notes

tHe aniMal WoRlDWHy Do you neeD Me?

Oman is blessed with over 47 species of terrestrial mammals, 10 livestock species and over a hundred bird species. Although much is known about Oman’s biodiversity, little is known about the genetic diversity.

Humans have been involved in the domestication of wild animals for thousands of years, but very few of these animal genetic resources are now being used as livestock for feed. The main species of animals used in Oman for human consumption are cattle, sheep, goats, camels and poultry. Local breeds represent the great majority in these species. Foreign breeds are mainly used in dairy cattle and commercial chicken farms. Meat and milk are the most important products from cattle, while meat is the most important product from sheep and goats. Poultry is used for its meat and eggs. Goats produce more than half of the skins produced in the country while cattle is the first source of manure followed by goats, then sheep and finally poultry litter.

Animals play an important role in society for social and cultural assets. They are a source of energy, fertilizers and income.

The animal genetic resources are facing many threats including environmental and human factors. Animals are important to us for our food and for our environment. We need to protect them.

oMan’s aniMal Genetic ResouRces

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Photo courtesy of Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Wealth, Directorate General Agricultural and Livestock Research

Aljabal Alakhdar

Sahrawi

There are many breeds of goats in Oman with visible variations. They include the local breeds known as:

albatinah : They are dark brown, light brown and black with white spots in the face, belly, and lower limbs. Their body is covered with long coarse hair. Legs are short and thick, head is of medium size with somewhat elongated face. Both the males and females carry horns. We mainly use them for their meat.

aljabal alakhdar (Green Mountain): They are brown in color. Their body is covered with soft hair of moderate length. Both the males and females have horns. Tail is short and lifted upward. This breed lives in the valleys and plains of the Interior Region and in Jabal Al-Akhadar. We mainly use them for their meat.

Dhofari: their common color is white with other occasional colors as black, dark brown, light brown and a mix of colors. They are usually small and are covered with short soft hair. Their nose is straight and ears are small and erected upward. Both the males and females have horns. Tail is long and erected upward. They are found in the Southern Region of the Sultanate in plains and the mountain areas of dhofar governorate. We use them for meat and milk.

sahrawi (Desert): They are solid black in color with brown stripes around the neck and the belly. Their head is small and both sexes have horns. We mainly use them for their meat.

There are many introduced breeds now found in Oman.

Goats oF oMan

tHe actiVityYou will get to look at the diversity of of goats in Oman. You will learn about where the different goats are found in Oman. Try to place the goat shaped magnets on the big Map of Oman according to where they live. Take a look at the different types of Goats.

• How many different types of goats in Oman?

• How are they different?

Questions

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There are about 70 species of butterflies in Oman, of the more than 15000 species in the world. They are so few because only the most hardy species can survive the arid climate.

To breed successfully in Oman, a butterfly must able to find the correct plant food for its caterpillars, some of which will survive only in a single specific plant. It must also be able to adept by hibernation or aestivation, to survive harsh seasons or to migrate to avoid them.

ButteRFlies in oMan

MIMICRY

Diadem female bearing a close resemblance of plain tiger in color, pattern and behavior. It is an example of one of the remarkable phenomena in the butterfly’s world, mimicry. A bird which have once tried to eat the poisonous plain tiger will avid any insects with the same color and pattern for months afterword.

plain tigerFemale Diadem

Photo courtesy of Royal Court Affairs, Ministry of Heritage and Culture

You will get to look at the diversity of insect in Oman especially the butterflies. You will learn about their lifecycle. Watch out one butterfly could be hiding somewhere very close!

tHe actiVity

Life cycle of a Butterfly

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Honey bees are social insects and live in groups called colonies. Each colony has three types of (casts) of honey bees: the queen bee, which is the largest, worker bees, which are the smallest, and the drones or the male bees that are slightly larger than the workers.

Honey bees are genetic resources since they provide us with some of our needs. Oman has many types of honey bees. The Omani honey bees are very small in size compared to honey bees elsewhere in the world. There are many other types in the world, but sometimes it’s not good to bring them to Oman because they compete with the Omani bees.

Bees in oMan

Life and tasks of worker bees

Different types Omani honey bees will be on display. Learn how the honey bees organize themselves in their society and how they make honey. Also enjoy the products made from honey.

tHe actiVity

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brood development

notes

tHe MicRoBial WoRlDoH, can you see Me?

Microorganisms or microbes are tiny creatures that usually can only be seen with the help of the microscope. They are mostly single celled or made up of a cluster of cells. Microbes are very diverse, they include fungi, bacteria, protest as well as microscopic plants and animals.

Microbes are found in every place that has water including, hot spring, soil, atmosphere, ocean floor, in the soil etc. They play an important role in maintaining our environment. Some microbes are harmful and can cause diseases to humans and other genetic resources while other microbes are useful in our daily lives. They help in making our food, growing our plants and provide us with medicines to fight diseases caused by other microbes.

Recently microbes have become important in biotechnology and industry. They are now sources of many new products and even used in traditional and modern food preparation. The microbial genetic resources are becoming increasingly important and have to be identified and protected from people who take them and use them to make profit without the consent of the country.

MicRoBial Genetic ResouRces

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• Molds are fungi that are present in our homes.

• Some molds are dangerous to human and can cause diseases, they can form in breads or fruits after 3 or 4 days.

• When you see this, please do not eat it.

• Always protect your bread and fruits from spoil.

• Keep your food in a clean area.

• Do not mix food remains with other untouched food.

• Do not store food in wet containers and do not wrap food while it is still hot to prevent accumulation of moisture inside.

How to protect your food from molds ?

BAD MICROBES

Bread mold

youghurt

GOOD MICROBES

We use milk with the help of bacteria called Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus to make yoghurt. The bacteria changes the sugar lactose found in the milk to make lactic acid. This lactic acid is acidic and therefore changes the milk protein from the liquid texture to the thick texture and tangy test of yoghurt we enjoy!

We have to make sure to use pasteurized milk to make yoghurt. Pasteurized milk is milk that has been heated up to high temperatures of around 80 °C to kill any other bad bacteria that might be in the milk.

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alGae-tHe tiny plants tHat colouR tHe WateRs oF oMan!!Algae are those “Pond scums” that colour both the inland water bodies and oceans. They were the first oxygen producers to appear in the living world and the primary producers of food. They are the major contributors to global biodiversity with millions of species. They vary in size from single celled microalgae to 60 metres long macroalgae like the giant seaweed. Many algae are used in Agriculture, Food industry, medicines, biofuels etc... Algal extracts like Agar is used to add consistency to dairy products such as cheese. All algae contain Chlorophyll, the green pigment, but they appear in various colours due to the presence of other pigments. There are many different kinds of algae.

Gracilaria

Navicula

Chorella

Gelidium

Diatoms

Padina

Macrocystis

Spirogyra

Blue-GReen alGae

These were the first group of organisms which helped oxygenating the Earth’s atmosphere. They contain the bluish green pigment along with chlorophyll. They grow everywhere: in fresh water ponds streams, sea water, and moist rocks and soils. In Oman you can find them in all falajes and wadis and even in the hot springs of Rustak and Nakkal. Spirulina, the most famous grows in some of the wadis of Oman. Spirulina is very nutritious and has lots of vitamins and minerals. In fact it contains almost all the ingredients to keep our body in good health. Therefore it is being used as a food supplement in most parts of the world.

GReen alGae

Most of the green algae are microscopically small, but some form some form

Though majority of green algae are microscopic, single celled organisms like Chlamydomonas and Chlorella, some of them exists as colonies while others form filaments and large multicellular bodies. Ulva is a green alga that resembles a leaf of lettuce and it is used in salads. Microalgae like Chlorella is rich in nutrients and are used as food supplements. Some of them are used for waste water treatment and for the production of biofuels.

BRoWn alGae

The brown colour of these algae comes from the pigment fucoxanthin that masks the green color of their chlorophyll. You can find these in the

most temperate regions as well as in the rocky coasts of the coldest seas on earth. Sargassum, the brown alga known as “gulf weed” grows along the Arabian Sea coasts of Oman. It is rich in minerals such as Iodine which promotes the healthy functioning of thyroid. Therefore Sargassum is used as sea vegetable and as a component of medicines in China. Many brown algae are used as an animal fodder and added to the field as fertilizer.

ReD alGae

Their red colour is due to a pigment called phycoerythrin which dominates over the chlorophyll. Most of these sea weeds grow below the intertidal zones of the oceans. Gelidium omanense grows in the in the intertidal zone especially along Dhofar coasts. They are distributed throughout the principal oceans of the world and grow mainly in shaded areas in warm, calm water. They are rich source of agar which is used for the preparation of culture media, cosmetics, ointments and pills.

DiatoMs

These are the planktons encased within a unique cell wall made of silica. Diatoms live anywhere there is water and light. They are some of the most beautiful organisms to view through a microscope. One of the most amazing facts about diatoms is that they play a very important role in the structure of the earth as the limestone layers are deposited by diatoms and much petroleum is also formed from diatoms. Navicula and Craticula are common diatoms seen in the wadis.

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وزارة التراث و الثقافة

Sultanate of OmanMinistry of Education

Sultanate of OmanMinistry of Environment

and Climate A�airs

This is a pilot project of the Animal and plant genetic resources center to raise awareness on genetic resources.

The work of this event is the hard efforts of TRC, APGRC and all our collaborators.

The Research Council and the APGRC would like to thank the following for their sincere contributions, materials and participation in this event:

• Diwan or Royal court

• Oman Botanic Garden,

• environment society of oman

• Ministry of agriculture and Fisheries

• Agriculture and Livestock Research

• Marine Science and Fisheries Center

• Ministry of education

• UNESCO Program

• Ministry of environment and climate affairs

• Ministry of Heritage and culture

• Royal court affairs

• sultan Qaboos university

• College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences

• College of Science

• Indian School Darsait

The Research Council also appreciates very much the hard work of the Scouts of Oman, TRC staff who assisted directly or indirectly in the event and the staff of Polyphaemus Concept agency.

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For more information please contact Dr Nadiya Al-Saady Tel +96824509831 Fax +968 24509820P o Box 1442, PC 130 Al-Atahibah, Muscat Sultanate of Omanwww.trc.gov.om