Algae are primitive plants with no vascular structure, largely dependent upon water for their sustenance and reproduction. They range in size from microscopic cells the size of bacteria (the blue-green algae) to the massive fronds of kelps (Laminaria spp.), which are the tallest marine plants known; in Nova Scotia they can reach up to 10 m in length. Those that float freely in the water are known as phytoplankton and are generally single-celled and microscopic, although some species are large enough to be observed by the naked eye. Multi-celled or macrophytic algae are usually attached to the bottom or other solid substrate (benthic). Algae occupy either freshwater or marine environments, sometimes both, and some species can tolerate relatively extreme conditions of temperature and salinity. In addition, some can be found in moist terrestrial habitats. Because they are immersed, algae do not require specialized tissues for internal transport, as do the higher land plants. They obtain their nutrients directly from the surrounding water by diffusion. Algae also use water, much as some land plants use wind, to carry sex cells for fertilization and then disperse the spores. This Document Includes:
Marine Algae Algal Groups Diatoms (Chrysophyta)
Marine
Terrestrial Marine
Marine Red Algae (Rhodophyta)
Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta or Pyrrophyta) Distribution of Marine Algae Cultural Factors
Additional Keywords:spring bloom, red tides, paralytic shellfish poisoning, bioluminescence, dulse, lichens, haptophytes, Desmids, cyanobacteria, Irish Moss, seaweeds, pigments.Associated Topics:
T6.2 Oceanic Environments T6.3 Coastal Aquatic Environments T8.1 Freshwater Hydrology T8.2 Freshwater Environments T10.5 Seed-bearing Plants T10.11 Lichens T11.12 Marine Mammals T11.13 Freshwater Fishes T11.17 Marine Invertebrates T12.8 Fresh Water and Resources T12.10 Plants and Resources Associated Habitats:Copyright © The Province of Nova Scotia, Canada |
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