Seaweeds are everywhere. They can be found in high temperature areas and much more abundant in warmer areas. Seaweeds are plants in a sense that they make use of the sun’s energy to create their own food. These aquatic plants are as vital parts of the marine ecosystem as their land counterparts are in dry land. Seaweeds serve as the primary source of food of small fishes, marine organisms, and other plant-eating sea creatures. They are also home to small microorganisms in the ocean. There are thousands of seaweed species in the world and they differ in some ways.
Classification of Seaweeds
Seaweeds are generally classified into three. This classification is based on the color of the seaweed, their cellular structure, and many other factors. This includes the red algae, brown algae, and green algae.
- The Red Algae is considered the largest group of seaweeds composing about 5, 000- 6, 000 species throughout the world. Their red color is due mainly to the presence of chlorophyll, phycocyanin, and phycoertythrin in its system. Most red algae are used in food products and in various scientific researches.
- The Brown Algae, also referred to as Phaeophyceae is considered the fastest growing seaweed species in the world. This type of seaweed is known primarily for having chloroplasts that are surrounded by four membranes. The substance fucoxanthin is the one responsible for the plants’ distinctive greenish- brown color. There are about 1, 500 to 2, 000 species of brown algae throughout the world.
- The Green Algae are green because of the presence of chlorophyll in their system. They need sufficient amount of sunlight to survive which is only accessible in shallow waters. This is why green algae are found near shores are at the edges of the sea. They find it hard to survive in temperate regions but are very flourishing in warmer places. Common green algae like the sea lettuce and green sting lettuce are used by people as food.
Seaweed Growth and Survival
Seaweeds easily grow and reproduce and their growth varies for every specie. This is the reason why they are very easy to cultivate. Since seaweeds are plants and make their own food through photosynthesis, they require the sun’s energy for survival. Thus, the thriving of seaweeds is limited within the sun’s availability. This is the reason why most seaweed types are seen in shallow parts of the ocean or in the edges where they can cling to rocks and other things. Having a firm material to attach to is also necessary so they are not easily carried by the waves to the deep parts of the ocean.
Seaweed Benefits
Seaweed farming and cultivation is becoming a wide practice among communities in the coastal areas. This is because these plants provide a vast array of benefits to people. Aside from being a delicious and nutritious food, seaweeds are also used in medicine, skin care, and other industries. The potential use of seaweeds in other areas is still being studied.
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