7 Major Types of Algae скачать в хорошем качестве

7 Major Types of Algae

7 Major Types of Algae Pond scum, seaweed, and giant kelp are all examples of algae. Algae are protists with plant-like characteristics, that are typically found in aquatic environments. Like plants, algae are eukaryotic organisms that contain chloroplasts and are capable of photosynthesis. Like animals, some algae possess flagella, centrioles, and are capable of feeding on organic material in their habitat. Algae range in size from a single cell to very large multicellular species, and they can live in various environments including salt water, freshwater, wet soil, or on moist rocks. The large algae are generally referred to as simple aquatic plants. Unlike angiosperms and higher plants, algae lack vascular tissue and do not possess roots, stems, leaves, or flowers. As primary producers, algae are the foundation of the food chain in aquatic environments. They are a food source for many marine organisms including brine shrimp and krill, which in turn serve as the nutrition basis for other marine animals. Algae can reproduce sexually, asexually or by a combination of both processes through alternation of generations. The types which reproduce asexually divide naturally (in the case of single-celled organisms) or release spores which may be motile or non-motile. Algae that reproduce sexually are generally induced to produce gametes when certain environmental stimuli – including temperature, salinity, and nutrients – become unfavorable. These algae species will produce a fertilized egg or zygote to create a new organism or a dormant zygospore that activates with favorable environmental stimuli. Algae can be categorized into seven major types, each with distinct sizes, functions, and color. The different divisions include: Euglenophyta (Euglenoids) Chrysophyta (Golden-brown algae and Diatoms) Pyrrophyta (Fire algae) Chlorophyta (Green algae) Rhodophyta (Red algae) Paeophyta (Brown algae) Xanthophyta (Yellow-green algae)