Classification of algae

Before detailing the classification of algae, we want to indicate their features to know them better. Thus, among the Main characteristics of algae We find the following:

• The algae They belong to Protist kingdom
• They are autotrophic organisms: With the ability to perform photosynthesis that require a very humid or aquatic environment. We tell you more about autotrophic organisms: what are, characteristics and examples below.
• They are the primary producers under water: Like plants are on earth.
• It is common for them to form underwater grasslands: and are part of them both the marine phytoplankton and that of fresh water. It can also develop on rocks, trunks or other surfaces with sufficient humidity.
• Phytoplankton is basic for life on earth: They produce 30% to 50% of the oxygen from the atmosphere.
• There are macroscopic algae: Although most of the algae are microscopic.

I broaden this information with this other ecology article about similarities and differences between plants and algae.

The simplest and most fast way to make a classification of algae Without errors it is by creating two large groups: microalgae or unicellular algae or macroalgas or multicellular algae.

It is not advisable to use a classification of algae according to their color since there are species formed by various types of algae of different colorations.

Macroalgas

Within the types of algae, we find the macroalgas, where we can highlight the following types:

• Chlorophyta or green algae: All algae belonging to this group contain type A and B chlorophyll, and store reserve substances such as starch. They are known as green algae and has both unicellular and multicellular species. Similarly, they share fresh water habitats and marine habitats, thanks to their good adaptation capacity. Do not hesitate to consult this article to know more about green algae: what are, characteristics, types and examples.
• Rodophyta or red algae: Algae that make up this group are also known as red or rhopped algae. You are also perform photosynthetic functions and contain type A and D chlorophyll, in addition to other accessory pigments such as ficobilins and carotenoids. In this group there are more than 6,000 species, almost all of the marine type and whose main characteristic is that they can find more than 130 meters deep. Rodophytes are used as food and many of their varieties are also used to manufacture agar: a natural jelly.
• Phaeophyta or brown algae: Also known as brown algae, they are typical of marine ecosystems, having as preference the rock coasts. They are usually presented as floating forms, totally free. They have type A and C chlorophyll, as well as characterized by containing fucoxantin.

We tell you more about the macroalgae: what are, types and examples below.

Microalgae

On the other hand, another of the types of algae that exist are microalgae, perhaps better known by the population. Within these types of algae, we can classify them as follows:

• Chrysophyceae or golden algae: They are mostly photoautotrophs and usually live in lakes and freshwater lagoons, although they also have species are marine. They are generally presented as flagellated unicellular forms that form colonies.
• Xanthophyta or green-yellow algae: The more than 600 species of green-yellow algae are usually found in fresh water, especially in swamps forming small colonies. Similarly, most algae belonging to this group have two flagella that appear at both ends of the cell.
• Dinophyta: These types of algae have two scourges located between two south -plates between plates. Among them almost half are photosynthetic or mixrophic, but many others live through a symbiotic relationship, it has already been with fungi and even other types of algae. They are also known for contaminating waters under certain climatic conditions.
• Bacillarioophyta or diatomeas: mostly grow in fresh and salty water and even on wet ground. In the sea they are usually located in the regions with low temperatures, swimming freely. In fact, this species of algae, together with the Dinoflagelladas or Dinophyta are the main constituents of phytoplankton. A curious fact is that the planktonic diatoms are responsible for almost a quarter of the photosynthesis performed on our planet.

Here are more information about what microalgae are: characteristics, examples and importance. As you already know the Types of algae that existthen we are going to talk about what algae are edible and their names.

Arriving to this point of the article on the classification of algae, now we will see some Examples of edible algae:

• Nori algae.
• Arame.
• Cochayuyo.
• Wakame.
• Dulse.
• Sea spaghetti.
• Kombu
• Hiziki
• Kelp
• Agar -ago.

After seeing all this general classification of algae and the types of edible algae, you may want to have more details about the latter. Therefore, here we leave you this post of Ecology Verde on the types of edible algae and their benefits.

If you want to read more articles similar to Classification of algaewe recommend that you enter our biology category.