BIODIVERSITAS MAKROALGA RHODOPHYTA DI DAERAH INTERTIDAL KAWASAN PANTAI GOPIT KABUPATEN MALANG SEBAGAI REFERENSI MATA KULIAH TAKSONOMI TUMBUHAN TINGKAT RENDAH

Abstract

This research focuses on identifying macroscopic algae populations, especially Rhodophyta macroalgae, in the intertidal ecosystem of Gopit Beach, Malang Regency. The main objective of the research is to present data that can be used as a reference in plant taxonomy courses for biology students. The method used in this research is descriptive exploratory method applied in the odd semester of the 2023 academic year, with sampling using the line transect method involving 10 transects, each with 10 plots. The sam ple identification process includes washing, separating, and analyzing based on habitat type, substrate, and diversity level, referring to the reference article. The results showed significant diversity with the identification of 5 Rhodophyta species from 4 families, including Callophyllis haenophylla, Corallina officinalis, Gracilaria canaliculata, Palmaria palmata, and Palmaria sp. The acidity (pH) analysis recorded a range between 7.00 to 8.28, favoring the growth of macroscopic algae in general. Salinity measurements were within the normal range, between 29%-32%, indicating favorable marine environmental conditions for Rhodophyta algae. The diversity of pH and salinity has significant implications for the distribution and survival of macroscopic algae in the intertidal zone, adding validity to the research findings. The biodiversity of Rhodophyta macroalgae species in the intertidal ecosystem of Gopit Beach plays an important role as a subject of taxonomic studies at Nahdlatul Ulama University (UNU) Pasuruan. Through an in-depth understanding of the biodiversity of Gopit Beach, this research also contributes to strengthening classification skills and understanding evolutionary relationships in taxonomy for biology students.