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How does Membranipora survive on kelp that moves in waves?
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moss animal
Eurystomella bilabiata, a moss animal from the Order Cheilostomata.
The Membranipora genus is well-adapted to living on kelp weeds, which are subject to constant movement in the water. Although the walls of the individual zooids within a Membranipora colony are calcified, they incorporate flexible joints. These joints allow the entire colony to bend and flex as the algal frond sways in the waves, preventing the structure from breaking under the stress of the moving environment.1