What are algae?

Algae are a very diverse group of simple plants that can be found in freshwater and marine environments throughout British Columbia.

While they are often considered to be aquatic organisms, algae are found in a wide range of habitats, including:

• In the soil
• Growing on rocks and on snow
• Growing in association with plants, fungi (as lichens) and with animals (such as corals).

Examples of algae viewed under a microscope

Examples of algae in the environment

They provide important ecosystem functions, including supporting fisheries as the base of the aquatic food chain and supplying much of the oxygen we breathe. Algae can range in size from microscopic single cells (microalgae) to large seaweeds (macroalgae). While most species are microscopic, several can form colonies or long filaments and accumulate together where they can become visible to the naked eye.

Most algae contain the green pigment chlorophyll-a, is which used for capturing light energy through photosynthesis.

Some unique species have no pigment at all, some have accessory pigments for light capture, and others can even engulf and digest other algae and bacteria.