Algae are very extensive andheterogeneous group of lower plants. In addition, they are the most numerous photosynthetic organisms on the planet, which are very important for our nature. You can meet algae everywhere. These organisms live in the oceans, freshwater bodies and seas, as well as on tree bark and moist soil.
Classification
Today, science has systematized more than one hundred thousand different types of algae. They, in turn, are divided into ten groups depending on the nature of the coloring:
- blue-green;
- golden;
- pyrophytic;
- yellow green;
- diatoms;
- brown;
- Red;
- green;
- Euglenic;
- char.
Value in biogeocenoses
Algae in the aquatic environment are majororganic producers. They not only directly, but also indirectly serve as the main source of nutrition for all animals of water bodies. Some rocks are known (oil shale, diatomite and limestone), which appeared in past geological stages as a result of the life cycle of these photosynthesizing organisms.
Role in nature
For life on our planet marine plantsare simply necessary. First of all, the importance of algae in nature is due to the fact that they are food for many organisms. These plants feed on crustaceans and mollusks, sea urchins, fish, etc.
The importance of algae in nature and in qualitysource of formation of oxygen. They account for from thirty to fifty percent of this valuable substance, which is secreted by the plant world of our planet.
Algae, as well as terrestrial flora, relieve the atmosphere of the problem of excess carbon dioxide. Sometimes it becomes so much that water takes on a variety of colors.
Algae adapts perfectly to the mostvarious conditions. These plants can live in rainwater, where the amount of salt is minimal. Rocky red-hot surfaces and reservoirs of high-mountain glaciers become their habitat. Algae can also be found in the upper soil layers, where sunlight penetrates with difficulty. These plants are able to inhabit lifeless rocky and soil substrates. The importance of algae in the nature of such zones is extremely high. These unique plants create the conditions for the soil to be fertile.
The value of algae in nature is great for the implementation of the circulation of substances. First of all they feed on crustaceans, which are later eaten by fish.
Red algae
Almost all representatives of these plantsinhabit the seas. Red algae have a considerable length, which can reach two meters. In addition to chlorophyll, representatives of these species of marine plants contain various pigments in their cells. Their color affects the color of the algae themselves. As a rule, the pigments of such algae are red. However, pink, bluish and other colors are possible.
Red algae, which is also calledscarlet, have a fragile and delicate body. The color of these plants, from bright red to almost black, gives the underwater kingdom incomparable beauty.
Practical use
The value of red algae to humans is quiteis great. One of the varieties of these plants - chondrus, which lives in the North Sea - is used as a medicine to cure respiratory diseases. Red algae is harvested agar-agar, used in confectionery. Scruffy need and microbiologists. In the laboratory, they are used in order to obtain pure cultures of microbes.
Brown algae
This type of underwater plants for coastal zonesis one of the most basic sources of organic matter. This is especially true for the seas of the polar and temperate zones. In these areas, the algal biomass per square meter can reach several tens of kilograms.
Настоящие заросли образуют бурые водоросли.The value of these "marine forests" is very high. They are not only a shelter, but also a place of feeding, as well as breeding of many coastal animals. In addition, brown algae create excellent conditions for other microscopic and macroscopic algae to multiply in the zone of their distribution.
Удивительные растения являются единственным в World source of production of alginic acid salts - alginates. This substance is capable of absorbing up to three hundred weight units of liquid, with the result that a viscous solution will be obtained. This ability allows the use of brown algae in the food industry. Alginates derived from them are added to ice cream, canned food and fruit juices. In addition, this substance increases the quality of books during printing, and also serves to impart color fastness to the fabrics being dyed.
Альгинаты, производимые из бурых водорослей, needed in the production of synthetic fibers and plastics. They give building materials and paints resistance to weathering. Alginates are also used as a raw material in the production of high-quality lubricants for machines, soluble sutures, pastes and ointments in the perfume and pharmaceutical industries. Long since brown algae are eaten. They are especially revered in the cooking of the peoples of Asian countries.
Green algae
This species of aquatic plants has a widespread across our planet. Most green algae are found in freshwater bodies, but there is a considerable amount of their marine forms. There are some species of these plants that have adapted to terrestrial habitats and to life in the layers of the soil. You can meet green algae on the rocks, on the bark of trees, as well as on various buildings. Vast areas of development of these plants contribute to the "blooming" of water, snow, soil, and tree bark.
The importance of green algae in nature.First of all, it is a source of oxygen. The role of these plants in the cleaning of water bodies is also important. The value of green algae is difficult to overestimate. They process carbonic acid and biogenic elements that are dissolved in water, and also take part in the process of synthesis of organic substances.
Currently, of these representatives of the aquaticflora receive various nutritious foods. Use them for medical purposes. Green algae secrete a special substance - chlorellin, which inhibits the spread in the body of a number of pathogenic bacteria. Not paid attention to these plants and traditional medicine. Filamentous green algae are used in analgesic compresses.
