Editing Kelp (section)

=== Growth and reproduction ===
Growth occurs at the base of the [[meristem]], where the blades and stipe meet. Growth may be limited by grazing. [[Sea urchin]]s, for example, can reduce entire ecosystems to kelp-less wastelands known as [[urchin barren]]s.<ref>Norderhaug, KM., Christie, H. 2009. Sea urchin grazing and kelp re-vegetation in the NE Atlantic. Marine Biology Research 5: 515-528. [[Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science]] 95: 135-144</ref> The kelp life cycle involves a [[diploid]] [[sporophyte]] and haploid [[gametophyte]] stage. The haploid phase begins when the mature organism releases many spores, which then germinate to become male or female gametophytes. [[Sexual reproduction]] then results in the beginning of the diploid sporophyte stage, which will develop into a mature individual.