'''Algae''' is an informal term for a large, diverse group of photosynthetic organisms which are not necessarily closely related. They can be unicellular or multicellular. Algae exhibit a wide range of reproductive strategies, from simple asexual cell division to complex forms of sexual reproduction. Algae lack the various structures that characterize land plants, such as roots and leaves. Sometimes they are parasitic, relying entirely on external energy sources and have limited or no photosynthetic apparatus.

Algae are primarily distributed through spores, similar to the way plants distribute through seeds. The distribution can happen through water, air, or in or on other organisms.

Bio-Interdependence

Some algae have a mutually dependent relationship with other types of organisms. This inter-dependence occurs in nature a lot, which is another proof that evolution could not have happened. There are a lot of systems that had to be created at the same time, otherwise neither would survive.

For example lichens, are not found alone in nature, but always combined with some sort of algae. As a result of this relationship, lichens possess some characteristics they would not possess on their own. It's possible algae trigger otherwise inactive genes in these lichens.

Algae often speed up the cell building process in coral reefs. Some coral reefs deteriorate if algae are not present on their sufrace.

Green algae live close to the surface of some sponges. The alga is protected from predators, while the sponge is provided with oxygen and sugars which can account for 50 to 80% of sponge growth in some species.

Types

There are three main types of algae: Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta, and Heterokontophyta.

It is estimated there are 72,500 species of algae worldwide.

Besides water, algae can be found on land, snow, and ice.

Uses

Algae can be used as an energy source, and show promise at that. The break-even point for use of algae fuel vs fossil fuels is expected to occur in 2025.

Many people use algae for food.

They can be used for pollution control. The amount of toxic chemicals needed to treat sewage can be reduced by using algae. Algae can be used to capture fertilizers in runoff from farms. Or they can be used as fertilizer themselves. Aquariums and ponds can be filtered with algae. Algae have even been observed forming on silicone resins used at archaeological sites, biodegrading the synthetic substance.

Algae can be used as replacement for synthetic paints.

Adapted from https://wikipedia.org/Algae

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