Algae Diversity Quiz

Algae

• Primary energy source for most algae is photosynthesis
• Some algae, like apicomplexans, have become heterotrophs, relying entirely on external energy sources
• The ultimate source of photosynthetic machinery in algae is cyanobacteria

Etymology

• The ancient word 'fucus' is related to the Latin word 'fūcus', meaning 'cosmetic rouge'

Seaweed Farming

• Traditional seaweed farming practices are strongly associated with Asia

Microalgae

• Chlamydomonas is an example of a unicellular microalgae

Algal Groups

• The group of algae that includes the giant kelp is Phaeophyceae

Algae Characteristics

• Main difference between marine algae and freshwater forms is the presence of flagella in marine algae
• Plastids of green algae originated from cyanobacteria
• Some algae exhibit a characteristic reproductive strategy of alternation of generations

Mosses

• Primary role of the stem is to conduct water and nutrients
• Conducting tissues in mosses are different from those in vascular plants in that they lack xylem and phloem

Moss Characteristics

• Mosses are distinguished from liverworts, hornworts, and lichens by their lack of vascular tissue
• Approximately 12,000 species of mosses exist
• The tallest moss in the world is Dawsonia

Moss Differences

• Unlike vascular plants, mosses do not have a true root system or vascular tissue
• Main commercial significance of mosses is in the horticulture and landscaping industries

Moss Anatomy

• A distinctive characteristic of moss gametophytes is their lack of a true stem
• Moss leaves have in common a lack of vascular tissue and a simple anatomy

Early Divergent Classes

• The characteristic feature of the early divergent classes Takakiopsida, Sphagnopsida, Andreaeopsida, and Andreaeobryopsida is the absence of stomata