GREEN ALGAE
"The classic "green algae" are mostly microscopic freshwater forms
and large seaweed. Some species may be as large as 25 cm in width, and attain a
length of 8 meters like the sea lettuce shown here. The green algae, and all other
plant groups, contain firm cell walls often composed of complex compounds such as
cellulose. Energy from the sun in the form of light is captured by the green algae,
green plants and some bacteria through photosynthesis. This process is the route by
which virtually all energy enters our biosphere."
|
| DR. FRANCESCA T. GRIFO, FORMER DIRECTOR,
CENTER FOR BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION |
|
KNOWN SPECIES
At least 7,000
|
SIZE RANGE
Less than 25 micro meters to 8 meters
|
WHERE THEY LIVE
Mostly in fresh waters and marine environments; Also in
hot springs, on the surface of snow and tree trunks, and in soil
|
ECOLOGICAL ROLES AND HUMAN USES
At the base of
the food chain; Help to purify sewage • Store carbon •
Humans use green algae as food, as feed for animals, and
in biological research
|
|
