Algae are a very broad and diverse group of lower plants.In addition, they are the most numerous in the world photosynthetic organisms, which are very important for our nature.Algae can be found everywhere.These organisms live in the oceans, seas and freshwater, as well as bark and moist soil.
Classification
Today science is systematized over a hundred thousand different types of algae.They, in turn, are divided into ten groups, depending on the character color:
- blue-green;
- gold;
- pirofitovye;
- yellow-green;
- diatoms;
- brown;
- red;
- green;
- Euglenophyta;
- Stoneworts.
value in ecosystems
Algae in the water environment are the main producers of organic substances.They not only directly but also indirectly, are the main source of food of animal reservoirs.There are some rocks (shale, diatomite and limestone), which appeared in the past geological stages of the life cycle as a result of these photosynthetic organisms.
role in nature
for life on our planet sea plants are simply necessary.First, the value of algae in nature due to the fact that they are food for many organisms.These plants feed on crustaceans and molluscs, sea urchins, fish, etc.
The significance of algae in nature and as a source of oxygen formation.They account for between thirty to fifty percent of this precious substance that is released fauna of our planet.
seaweed, as well as terrestrial flora, relieve the atmosphere from the problem of excessive volume of carbon dioxide.Sometimes they become so numerous that the water takes on a variety of colors.
Algae perfectly adapted to the different conditions.These plants can live in rain water, wherein the amount of salt is minimal.Their habitats are rocky and hot surfaces, water bodies and high mountain glaciers.Discover the algae can be in the upper soil layers where barely penetrates sunlight.These plants can settle rocky and lifeless soil substrates.The value of algae in the nature of such areas is very large.These unique plants create conditions so that the soil was fertile.
value of algae in nature and great for the circulation of substances.Primarily they feed on crustaceans, which are later eaten by fish.
Red algae
Almost all representatives of these plants are found in the seas.Red algae have a considerable length, which can reach two meters.In addition to representatives of chlorophyll in these types of marine plants in the cells contain a variety of pigments.Their effect on the color and color algae themselves.Typically, such pigments from red algae.However, the possible pink, bluish, and other colors.
Red algae, which is also called whelk have fragile and delicate body.Painting these plants, from bright red to almost black, it gives the incomparable beauty of the underwater kingdom.
Practical application
value of red algae to humans is very large.One of the varieties of these plants - chondrus that lives in the North Sea - is used as a medicine for curing respiratory diseases.Extracted from red algae agar-agar, used in the confectionery business.Whelk necessary and microbiology.Under laboratory conditions, they are used in order to obtain pure cultures of bacteria.
Kelp
This type of underwater plants in coastal zones is one of the main sources of organic matter.It is especially characteristic of circumpolar seas and temperate zones.In these areas, the biomass of algae per square meter can reach several tens of kilograms.
These thickets form kelp.The significance of these "marine forest" is very large.They are not only shelter, but also a place of power, as well as many coastal breeding animals.In addition, brown algae provide excellent conditions for their distribution in the area of breeding other micro- and macroscopic algae.
Amazing plants are the world's only source of production of salt of alginic acid - alginates.This substance is able to absorb up to three hundred weight units of liquid, resulting in a viscous solution is obtained.This capability allows the use of brown algae in the food industry.Alginates, derived therefrom, is added to the ice cream, cream and fruit juice.Besides, the substance increases in the printing quality of books, but also serves to impart color stability dyeable fabrics.
Alginates produced from brown algae are needed in the production of synthetic fibers and plastics.They give the building materials and paints weatherproof.And alginates are used as raw materials in the production of high-quality lubricants for cars, soluble surgical sutures, pastes and ointments in the perfume and pharmaceutical industries.It has long brown algae are eaten.They are especially revered in cooking peoples of Asian countries.
Green algae
This type of water plant is widespread throughout the planet.Most green algae found in fresh water, but there is a considerable amount of their marine forms.There are some kinds of plants that have adapted to terrestrial habitats, and to life in the soil layers.Meet the green algae and may be on the rocks, on the bark of trees, as well as various buildings.Vast areas of these plants contribute to the "flowering" of water, snow, soil, and tree bark.
The significance of green algae in the wild.First of all, it is a source of oxygen.The important role of these plants in the ponds treatment.The value of green algae is difficult to overestimate.They recycle carbon dioxide and nutrients that are dissolved in water, and are also involved in the synthesis of organic substances.
Currently, representatives of the aquatic get different nutritious foods.And use them for medical purposes.From green algae secrete a special substance - hlorellin that inhibits the spread of the organism in a variety of pathogenic bacteria.I did not ignore these plants and traditional medicine.Filamentous green algae types are used for pain compresses.
