The importance of algae in nature. What is the significance for nature of brown, green and red algae

Algae are a very extensive and heterogeneous group of lower plants. In addition, they are the most numerous on the planet photosynthetic organisms that are very important for our nature. You can meet algae everywhere. These organisms live in oceans, fresh water bodies and seas, as well as on woody bark and moist soil.

Classification

To date, science has systematized more than one hundred thousand different species of algae. They, in turn, are divided into ten groups depending on the nature of the color:

- blue-green;

- golden;

- pyrophytic;

- yellow-green;

- diatoms;

- Brown;

- Red;

- green;

- euglenic;

- Charovye.

Significance in biogeocoenosis

Algae in the aquatic environment are the main producers of organic substances. They not only directly but also indirectly serve as the main source of nutrition for all animal reservoirs. Some rocks are known (combustible schists, diatomites and limestones), which appeared in the past geological stages as a result of the life cycle of these photosynthetic organisms.

Role in nature

For life on our planet, marine plants are 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 as a source of oxygen generation is great. They account for between thirty and fifty percent of this valuable substance, which stands out from the plant world of our planet.

Seaweed, as well as terrestrial flora, relieve the atmosphere of the problem of excess carbon dioxide. Sometimes they become so much that the water gets a variety of colors.

Algae perfectly adapt to a variety of conditions. These plants can live in rainwater, where the amount of salts is minimal. The environment of their habitat is also rocky hot surfaces, and ponds of high-mountain glaciers. Detect algae and can be in the upper soil layers, which is difficult to penetrate the sunlight. These plants are able to colonize lifeless rocky and soil substrates. The importance of algae in the nature of such zones is extremely high. These unique plants create conditions for the soils to be fertile.

The importance of algae in nature is great and for the realization of the cycle of substances. First of all, they eat crustaceans, which are later eaten by fish.

Red algae

Almost all representatives of these plants live in the seas. Red algae have a considerable length, which can reach two meters. In addition to chlorophyll, the representatives of these species of marine plants contain a variety of pigments in the cells. Their color also affects the coloration of the algae itself. As a rule, pigments in such algae are red. However, pink, bluish and other colors are possible.

Red algae, which is also called crimson, have a fragile and delicate body. Coloring these plants, from bright red to almost black, gives the underwater kingdom an incomparable beauty.

Practical use

The value of red algae for humans is very high. One of the varieties of these plants - chondras, which lives in the North Sea - is used as a medicine to cure respiratory diseases. From red algae produced agar-agar, used in confectionery. Scallops are necessary and microbiologists. In laboratory conditions, they are used to obtain pure microbial cultures.

Brown seaweed

This kind of underwater plants for coastal zones is one of the most basic sources of obtaining organic substances. This is especially characteristic of the seas of the circumpolar and temperate zones. In these areas, the biomass of algae per square meter can reach several tens of kilograms.

These thickets form brown algae. The significance of these "marine forests" is very large. They are not only a shelter, but also a feeding place, as well as reproduction of many coastal animals. In addition, brown algae create excellent conditions for the propagation of other micro- and macroscopic algae in their propagation zone.

Amazing plants are the only source in the world for the production of salts of alginic acid - alginates. This substance is able to absorb up to three hundred weight units of fluid, resulting in a viscous solution. This ability allows the use of brown algae in the food industry. Alginates, obtained from them, are added to ice cream, canned food and fruit juices. In addition, this substance improves the quality of books when printing, and also serves to impart color stability to the dyed fabrics.

Alginates, produced from brown algae, are needed in the production of synthetic fibers and plastics. They impart resistance to weathering effects to building materials and paint and varnish coatings. Alginates are also used as a raw material for the production of high-quality lubricants for machines, soluble surgical threads, pastes and ointments in the perfume and pharmaceutical industries. For a long time, brown seaweed is used for food. They are especially honored in the cooking of the peoples of the Asian countries.

Green algae

This species of aquatic plants is widely distributed throughout our planet. Most green algae occur in fresh water bodies, but there are a considerable number of their marine forms. There are species of these plants that have adapted to terrestrial habitation and to life in soil layers. You can meet green algae on rocks, on bark of trees, as well as on various buildings. The vast zones of development of these plants contribute to the "flowering" of water, snow, soil, and also bark of trees.

The importance of green algae in nature is great. First of all, it is a source of oxygen. Important role of these plants in the purification of reservoirs. The value of algae green is difficult to overestimate. They process carbon dioxide and biogenic elements, which are dissolved in water, and also take part in the process of synthesis of organic substances.

Currently, these representatives of aquatic flora receive various nutritious foods. They also use them for medical purposes. Of the green algae isolated a special substance - chlorellin, which inhibits the spread in the body of a number of pathogenic bacteria. Did not pass over these plants and folk medicine. Green algae filamentous type used in painkillers.