Algae are one of the oldest inhabitants of the Earth. Many scientists believe that life on our planet originated in the ocean, and it is the algae that are the ancestors of all modern plants. When and how they moved to land – is unknown, but their vitality and adaptability is simply amazing.
Algae are the oldest plants on Earth.
Lichens arose as a result of symbiosis of algae and fungi.
The sizes of algae can be very different – from one micron to 50 meters.
Some algae form bubbles from the gases to rise to the surface of the water.
Algae have no roots – they absorb the nutrients they need from the water with the entire surface.
Large algae are attached to the bottom by a special organ called the sole. Such plants can form real underwater forests.
Drilling algae are introduced into the surface of shells and limestone.
Red and brown algae feel great at a depth of up to 200 meters. Once the researchers found such algae even at 268 meters below the surface of the water, which is an absolute record for plants that perform photosynthesis.
Scientists know more than about 100,000 species of algae, but there are probably more of them on the planet.
Algae produce about 80% of all organic substances created on the planet.
Algae directly or indirectly provide subsistence for all animals living underwater.
Due to the life of algae on Earth, some rocks have appeared – for example, diatomites and oil shales.
One of the most famous dishes, which includes algae – sushi. People also actively eat porphyry and sea kale.
Algae are very useful due to the saturation of mineral substances, especially iodine.
Algae is used for biological treatment of wastewater and aquariums, as they absorb pollutants from the water.
From algae, agar-agar is obtained – a vegetable substitute for gelatin.
Algae are raw materials for biofuels, capable in the future to replace diesel and gasoline.
Scientists are trying to use algae for processing substances in spacecraft. If these experiments are successful, people will have new opportunities to conquer the cosmos.
Dried seaweed is suitable for stuffing pillows and blankets.
Algae are widely used in pharmacology and cosmetology. In beauty salons, for example, practice wrapping with algae to rejuvenate the skin and improve its tone.
Blue-green algae are not bacteria, but plants.
Substances derived from algae are used in the manufacture of plastics, paints and even explosives.
The Red Sea got its name due to algae, namely the red oscillator.
The feathers of the flamingos are pink due to the algae and crustaceans that these birds feed on.
Algae chlorella has become one of the first plants to have been in space.
