Diversity and classification of marine benthic algae

Chlorophyllian photosynthesis is responible of almost all primary production at global level and represents the most fundamental process for the support and maintenance of life on our planet. Organisms performing photosynthesis occur in every habitat in which sunlight is available. Whereas vascular plants are largely responsible of photosynthesis on land, in aquatic habitats this process is mainly perfomed by the wide and heterogeneous complex of organisms called algae. In the widest sense, algae are defined as oxygenic photosynthesizers other than embryophyte land plants (Cavalier-Smith, 2007). In recent years our knowledge of these organisms has greatly advanced, thanks to new types of data (mainly electron microscopy observations and DNA sequence data). Based on these data, we know now that algae represent an artificial and unnatural agglomeration of very different organisms, sharing the only common characteristic of living in aquatic habitats. Algae living in the sea are typically subdivided in plankton (the complex of microscopic algae not visible with unaided eye, which live floating in the water) and benthos (the collectivity of the algae that live attached to the sea bottom). The algae that form the benthos are plant-like organisms, very diverse and very different in size, shape and colour; they are are typically designated with the term seaweeds. Despite of the undeserved negative connotation associated with such a name, seaweeds play a fundamental role marine ecosystems, where they have a multitude of beneficial effects. Although unrecognized, they also have an important part in our everyday life. Substances extracted from seaweeds occur in toothpastes, shampoos, cosmetics, drugs, soups, ice creams, soft drinks, beer, jellies, marmelades, salad dressings, chewing gums and many other products of large use. In China, Korea and Japan some species of seaweeds are among the most popular foods, and for this reason they have been farmed for many centuries.

The main author of this article is Rindi, Fabio Please note that others may also have edited the contents of this article. Citation: Rindi, Fabio (2009): Diversity and classification of marine benthic algae. Available from http://www.coastalwiki.org/wiki/Diversity_and_classification_of_marine_benthic_algae [accessed on 15-05-2024] For other articles by this author see Category:Articles by Rindi, Fabio For an overview of contributions by this author see Special:Contributions/Fabio