Red algae, or Rhodophyta, make up one of the oldest and largest phyla of eukaryotic algae, with over 7,000 recognized species across more than 900 genera. Most species belong to the class Florideophyceae and are multicellular marine organisms, including many familiar seaweeds, though about five percent of species live in freshwater, mostly in warmer regions. Red algae lack flagella and centrioles and have chloroplasts containing phycobiliproteins, which give them their characteristic red color, though they can also appear green, pink, brown or nearly black depending on depth and conditions.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Relationship to PeopleEaten or Drunk by People 1 Living or Extinct Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceColour varies from bright green and soft pink to shades of red and purple, almost black at greater depths 1 Scientific Name Connections
Child Taxon Of
In Biome
Source Red algae, Wikipedia
In Ecosystem
Source Wikidata: Nudibranch
Additional Source Kelp forest (Wikipedia)Article text
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Sources
1. Red algae, Wikipedia
Introduction, opening sentence
Red algae, or Rhodophyta
Description, color and pigmentation
Despite their name, red algae can vary in color from bright green, soft pink, resembling brown algae, to shades of red and purple, and may be almost black at greater depths and are only called red algae due to the phycobiliproteins and the reddish members.
system (MediaWiki batch-API article extract states it plainly)
The majority of species (6,793) are in the class Florideophyceae, and mostly consist of multicellular marine algae, including many notable seaweeds.
Edible use
Traditionally, red algae are eaten raw, in salads, soups, meal and condiments.
- In Biome: Freshwater, Wikipedia intro: "seaweeds. Red algae are abundant in marine habitats. Approximately 5% of red algae species occur in freshwater environments, with greater concentrations in warm..."
In Group: Red Algae (Rhodophyta), Lead
Red algae, or Rhodophyta (, ; from Ancient Greek ῥόδον (rhódon) 'rose' and φυτόν (phutón) 'plant'), make up one of the oldest and largest phyla of eukaryotic algae, containing over 7,000 recognized species within over 900 genera amidst ongoing taxonomic revisions.
View the Source2. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ103169, descriptionView the Source Wikidata: Rhodophyta
- Wikidata Q103169, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)
- Child Taxon Of: Plantae, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chain
View the SourceKelp forest (Wikipedia)
In Ecosystem: Kelp Forests, Article textQuote, In Ecosystem: Kelp Forests, Article text
Beneath these kelps, a benthic assemblage of foliose red algae may occur.
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