We all have seen green colored, carpet-like layers, growing over plants, near taps, water tanks, ponds, rocks, and other moist places. They are the living, eukaryotic, and photosynthetic organisms, which are called as Algae. They are the diverse group of aquatic organisms, which are neither plant, animal or fungi and vary in their size, which play economical and beneficial roles in environments
Algae are also involved in producing oxygen by consuming carbon dioxide and act as the base for the aquatic food chain. Based on the general characteristics of algae, they are grouped into Kingdom Protista. As per the records, there are more than 50,000’s known species of Algae.
Let us learn about some interesting and amazing facts about the algae.
Here we go!
Facts about Algae
Fact-NO-1
Algae are mainly found in marine or freshwater environments. They play an important role in the ecosystem. Some species are used in the production of biofuels and some are also used as fertilizers and livestock feed.
Fact-NO-2
A rare species of algae are used in the production of medicines. Red algae are mainly used in treating cold sores, asthma, stomach disorders, urinary infections, and also helps in boosting the immune system.
Fact-NO-3
There are thousands of different kinds of algae found in different colours and forms. These eukaryotic and photosynthetic organisms are found everywhere on the planet, even in salt water, in very low-temperature regions, on snow lands and ice crystals.
Fact-NO-4
Dino-flagellate, certain species of algae produce bioluminescence that can be easily visible during the night time. This emitted light is more sufficient for a person to read the newspapers without any additional light source.
Fact-NO-5
Microscopic algae or microphytes are the species of algae, which are typically found growing on the freshwater and marine systems. They usually found floating on the water, which multiplies rapidly, turning the water green or red and serves as the ultimate source of food for almost all marine life.
Fact-NO-6
Like all green plants of Kingdom Plantae, Algae also contains chlorophyll pigments in their cells and manufacture their own food through the process of photosynthesis.
Fact-NO-7
Different species of Algae are used in the human diet. Seaweeds also referred to as macroalgae are highly nutritious, rich in vitamins and minerals and represent an important source of food in certain countries.
Fact-NO-8
Algae are also used in wastewater treatment, which reduce the carbon dioxide and other emissions in water by increasing the oxygen levels in the water bodies.
Fact-NO-9
Algae are used in many sewage water treatment plants and helped in reducing the need for harmful chemicals, and are used in some power plants to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Fact-NO-10
Along with the beneficial Algae species, there are some algae, which may cause harm to other living species. In some water bodies, these algae grow and reproduce a lot and cause algal bloom which affects both fishes and other aquatic animals.
These were a few interesting and amazing facts about the Algae.
For more detailed information and facts about the Algae, students can visit our BYJU’S website and also watch interactive video lessons on various Biology related topics by subscribing to the BYJU’S YouTube Channel.
