Algae! Algae are a large and diverse group of simple, typically organisms, ranging from to multicellular forms. The largest and most complex marine forms are called seaweeds. They are photosynthetic, like plants, and "simple" because they lack the many distinct organs found in land plants. The algae comprise several different groups of organisms that produce energy through. For this reason many people consider them plants. are not classified in the kingdom plante but in the Kingdom PROTISTA instead.. though most species of algae are unicellular, some are large, multicellular organisms differ from protozoa, which are also 1. Reasons Why Algae are great! a. Life as we know it, would never have evolved without them Produces most of the Earth s (estimated 50-75% of all photosynthesis is done by algae) They also help remove huge amounts of b. The basis of most food chains in the ocean c. Some are so cool, they can live in the snow...and look like blood d. They can glow ( ) e. They may be the next source of fuel
f. We use them to a heap of things: Stomach ulcers, lung ailments, high blood pressure, arthritis, and other health products g. Used in, toothpaste, to make plastics, waxes h. Used in scientific laboratories to grow bacteria i. Can provide a home for sea otters and many many many other species. j. They are also delicious They are used to make smooth, candy bars last longer Used in pickle relishes, salad dressing, chip dips, pancake syrup, egg nog, soup, meat dishes, candy, cake batter, pie filler, bakery jelly, doughnut glazes 2. Plant or Protist? Scientists have debated this one for a while Now we say that they are not plants, but protists Remember protist = eukaryotes that don t fit in other kingdoms (the garbage pile) Why are they like plants? Some algae, the seaweeds are multicellular Share many other characteristics with plants
Why are they like Protists? Many are, such as phytoplankton Don t have the, leave or stem structures found in land plants, although they can have structures that serve similar functions 3. The Three Phyla of Algae: Red, Brown, and Green A. Green: Members of Phylum, meaning green plant in Greek Share many characteristics with plants including pigments (chlorophyll a and b) and cell walls They also have reproductive cycles very similar to plants
Green algae can be found in fresh and salt water, and in moist areas on land They can be: Unicellular Colonial Multicellular i. Unicellular: ii. Colonial: Many species spend most of their lives as single cells is a typical unicellular green algae that grows in ditches, ponds and wet soils Several species of green algae form colonies (groups of single cells that are joined together but show few specialized structures) Ex. Spirogyra is found in freshwater - It forms long threadlike colonies called filaments stacked like aluminum cans iii. Multicellular: Ulva, or is a bright green multicellular algae, common along rocky seacoasts Only two-cells thick, but tough enough to handle pounding waves
B. Brown Algae: The Phaeophyceae or - (singular: alga), is a large group of mostly marine multicellular algae, including many seaweeds of colder Northern Hemisphere waters. They are what make up the Forests, which are very important here on the west coast. They provide a habitat for fish, otters, and sea urchins. There are 1500-2000 species of brown algae world wide!! Lacks vascular tissue, but has an anchor like structure called a Holdfast Gee I wonder why? Do very well in rocky, turbulent waters. C. Red Algae The Rhodophyta or Algae is one of the oldest organisms on the planet. It has been found in the fossil record for 1200 million years 5000-6000 species of rhodophyta Is found as multicellular marine algae or sea weeds.