ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMICAL IMPORTANCE OF ALGAE
ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMICAL IMPORTANCE OF ALGAE
Introduction..........................................................................................................2
Physical and ecological features of algae.............................................................4
Size range and diversity of structure.............................................................4
Distribution and abundance...........................................................................5
Photosynthesis and light-absorbing pigments......................................................6
The effects of water on light absorption........................................................7
Nutrient storage.............................................................................................7
Alternative methods of nutrient absorption...................................................8
Ecological and economical importance................................................................9
Other ingenious uses for slimy algae...........................................................14
Conclusion..........................................................................................................19
Bibliography.......................................................................................................20
Introduction
Algae, singular alga, members of a group of predominantly aquatic, photosynthetic organisms of the kingdom Protista. They range in size from the tiny flagellate Micromonas that is 1 micrometre (0.00004 inch) in diameter to giant kelps that reach 60 metres (200 feet) in length. Algae provide much of the Earth’s oxygen, they are the food base for almost all aquatic life, they are a source of crude oil, and they provide foods and pharmaceutical and industrial products for humans. The algae have many types of life cycles. Their photosynthetic pigments are more varied than those of plants, and their cells have features not found among plants and
Introduction..........................................................................................................2
Physical and ecological features of algae.............................................................4
Size range and diversity of structure.............................................................4
Distribution and abundance...........................................................................5
Photosynthesis and light-absorbing pigments......................................................6
The effects of water on light absorption........................................................7
Nutrient storage.............................................................................................7
Alternative methods of nutrient absorption...................................................8
Ecological and economical importance................................................................9
Other ingenious uses for slimy algae...........................................................14
Conclusion..........................................................................................................19
Bibliography.......................................................................................................20
Introduction
Algae, singular alga, members of a group of predominantly aquatic, photosynthetic organisms of the kingdom Protista. They range in size from the tiny flagellate Micromonas that is 1 micrometre (0.00004 inch) in diameter to giant kelps that reach 60 metres (200 feet) in length. Algae provide much of the Earth’s oxygen, they are the food base for almost all aquatic life, they are a source of crude oil, and they provide foods and pharmaceutical and industrial products for humans. The algae have many types of life cycles. Their photosynthetic pigments are more varied than those of plants, and their cells have features not found among plants and