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Monday, November 18, 2013

Algae Aren't Plants?!

Algae Aren't Plants?!

The tiny, widespread organisms that are the staple food of many fish can be deceiving. Most people that aren't in the know don't realize that algae aren't plants. They're actually protists! Algae are plant-like protists, meaning they make their own food with photosynthesis. The difference is that most algae have no stems, leaves, or roots.

There are six different types of algae. I know, it sounds like a lot, but it really isn't. Just follow along and hopefully you'll understand!

Type #1: Green Algae
Green algae is a common sight on the ocean floor. What most people don't realize about green algae is that it gives our planet almost half the oxygen we breathe all by itself! Green algae is harmless, and beneficial to the environment. If we didn't have green algae, we'd have all been dead a long time ago from the lack of oxygen.

Type #2: Red Algae

These red wonders are able to use photosynthesis deep down in the ocean because of its red pigment. It helps it absorb sunlight better so the algae can survive. A form of red algae is seaweed, which makes carrageenan. Carrageenan is a substance used in different products to make them smoother.


Type #3: Brown Algae


Yep, kelp is a kind of algae!
=D
Brown algae. It's boring, nothing to it. I mean, I guess there's kelp, but....

Type #4: Euglenoids

Yep, the easy names are over with! Euglenoids are the flagellates of the algae, and they have special eyespots to sense light. Cool, right?

Type #5: Diatoms

Guess what? Diatoms are also known as golden algae, because they contain silica, the main element of glass, and it makes them golden. Not hard to say, is it?

Type #6: Dinoflagellates

Last and probably the worst, dinoflagellates, or fire algae. These mostrosities create red tide, which kills many fish and animals.
Now for cyanobacteria! Cyanobacteria are algae that may not be algae at all, but really bacteria! They are also known as blue-green algae.


Well, thats all for today, SCIENTIFIC WAFFLE OUT
LAWLLAWLLAWLLAWLLAWLLAWLLAWLLAWLLAWL
CELEBRATION TIME COME ON

Links:
Red Tide Pic
Diatom Pic
Euglena Pic
Kelp Pic
Seaweed Pic
Green Algae Pic
Brainpop on Algae (If you have an account)


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