What are Algae?
Algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms that live in aquatic environments. They can be single-celled or multi-cellular and exist in many shapes, sizes and colours. Algae lack true stems, roots and leaves like other plants but they contain chlorophyll, which allows them to convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
Importance of Algae
Algae play a crucial role in the ocean ecosystem by producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. It is estimated that algae produce around 70% of the oxygen in Earth's atmosphere. As the base of the marine food web, algae serve as an essential food source for many marine species like fish, sea turtles, manatees and more. Some species of algae, like kelp, also provide habitat and shelter to various ocean organisms.
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