What Are The 7 Major Types Of Algae? Types And Meaning

TYPES OF ALGAE – In this topic, we will now talk about the seven major types of algae, its meaning and characteristics.

An algae, according to WorldAtlas, are photosynthetic organisms with the characteristics of a plant. They can be found in aquatic environments.

Algae fall under the kingdom Protista and are classified based on the color pigmentation and food reserves.

Chloroplasts are what algae have in order to make their own food via photosynthesis like plants.

Here are the 7 major types:

Chlorophyta
- Also known as green algae, these are usually found in aquatic habitats, including freshwater environments. There are green algae that can be found in salt water areas. These contain flagella which gives them the capacity to feed on organic matter.
Euglenophyta
- Also known as Euglenoids, these can be found in fresh and saltwater areas. These do not have a cell-wall but rather a pellicle (a protein-rich layer).
Chrysophyta
- Also known as golden-brown algae and diatoms, these are the most widespread unicellular species of algae. Diatoms are the most abundant type and exists in the ocean.
Pyrrophyta
- Also known as fire algae, these are found in salt water areas. Their flagella is used to move in water. These are classified in two: cryptomonads and dinoflagellates.
Rhodophyta
- Also known as red algae, these are eukaryotic cells that do not have a flagella and centrioles. These are usually found in the ocean on tropical regions.
Xanthophyta
- Also known as yellow-green algae, these are the rarest and the least prolific type. Their walls are made of silica and cellulose with a maximum of two flagella.
Paeophyta
- Also known as brown algae, these are the largest and the most complex. Their habitat are in marine environments.