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Brown Algae

Seaweeds and Macroalgae

Brown algae are a large group of photoautotrophic, multicellular organisms comprising the class Phaeophyceae. They include many of the seaweeds found in the colder waters of the Northern Hemisphere and make up the major seaweeds of temperate and polar regions, serving as both food sources and habitat within marine ecosystems. Some species, such as Macrocystis, reach lengths of up to 60 meters, forming extensive kelp forests that support high biodiversity.

Facts
Classification
Diet
Photosynthetic Autotroph 1
System (Realm)
Terrestrial 2
System (Realm)
Freshwater 2
System (Realm)
Marine 2
Relationship to People
Eaten or Drunk by People 1
Living or Extinct
Yes 3
Identification
Distinguishing Appearance
Olive green to brown coloration from the pigment fucoxanthin. 1
Scientific Name
Phaeophyceae 1
Connections

Child Taxon Of

Ochrophyta, Taxa
Source Wikidata: Phaeophyceae

In Biome

Marine, Biomes
Source Brown algae - Wikipedia

In Ecosystem

Kelp Forests, Ecosystems
Source Brown algae - Wikipedia
Sargasso Sea, Ecosystems
Source Brown algae - Wikipedia
In the Other Atlases

Found In

Denmark

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Norway

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Sweden

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

United States

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Sources
1. Brown algae - Wikipedia
  • Wikidata claim P225 taxon name
    Phaeophyceae
  • Morphology section
    a characteristic color that ranges from an olive green to various shades of brown
  • Lead section
    Brown algae (sing.: alga) are a large group of photoautotrophic, multicellular SAR comprising the class Phaeophyceae.
  • Edible use
    Brown algae include a number of edible seaweeds.
  • In Biome: Marine, Wikipedia intro: "such as members of the order Fucales, commonly grow along rocky seashores. Most brown algae live in marine environments, where they play an important role both..."
  • In Ecosystem: Kelp Forests, article text (ecosystem), EntityId 306682, target E16327
    For instance, Macrocystis, a kelp of the order Laminariales, may reach 60 m (200 ft) in length and forms prominent underwater kelp forests that contain a high level of biodiversity.
  • In Ecosystem: Sargasso Sea, article text (ecosystem), EntityId 306682, target E266781
    Another example is Sargassum, which creates unique floating mats of seaweed in the tropical waters of the Sargasso Sea that serve as the habitats for many species.
  • In Group: Other Brown Algae, Lead
    Brown algae (sing.: alga) are a large group of photoautotrophic, multicellular SAR comprising the class Phaeophyceae.
View the Source
2. GBIF Species API
GBIF Species APIView the Source
3. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ184573, descriptionView the Source
Wikidata: Phaeophyceae
  • Wikidata Q184573, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)
  • Child Taxon Of: Ochrophyta, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chain
View the Source
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