Rowland 
When you think of algae, you’re probably imagining the fuzzy, green growth on a rock in a pond, or the pesky problem that comes with owning a fish tank. Or, you might think of long strands of seaweed that seem to always clutter the beach.
While these are great examples, the word algae describe a group of organisms that live in the water and are equally as fascinating as they are essential. If you are interested in algae or love to learn interesting and random facts, here are several algae facts you probably never heard of.
- There Are More Than 20,000 Species of Algae
One of the interesting facts about algae is there are more than 20,000 species. Within those species, there are seven different types of algae, each with specific characteristics and traits. You can identify algae by its color, texture, and formation.
- Algae Can Save the Environment
The current state of the environment is grim due for many reasons, one of those being harmful carbon dioxide emissions. Fortunately, algae is a resource that can remove harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When controlled, algae is faster and better at cleaning the air than trees.
- Algae Can Grow Almost Anywhere
Wherever there is sunlight and water, algae can grow. You can see different species of algae in pond water, freshwater, saltwater, and even wastewater. Algae can also grow in fish tanks, which is why building a refugium clean up crew is essential.
- Algae Has Many Uses
One of the more interesting facts about algae is the many things it’s used for. Among other things, algae are used for food, animal feed, pollution control, and fertilizer. You can even use algae to clean wastewater.
- Algae Lights up the Oceans
Bioluminescence occurs when a living organism produces light. In many oceans, on many beaches, you can see blue waves shining and sparkling under the night sky. This phenomenon is caused by algae bloom that makes the water a little red during the day and a glowing blue at night.
- Some Algae Act Like Animals
While you may think of algae as plants, some forms act as a plant and an animal. They can generate their food but they can also eat feed on other plants. Some algae can even eat their predators, a fascinating ability for a plant.
These Are the Algae Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Knowing these algae facts it’s easy to understand why learning about and studying algae is an interesting hobby for many people.
There are thousands of different types of algae, growing in many different aquatic environments. While most act like plants, some act like animals. Algae has many uses, from essential to interesting, such as for food or for lighting up the ocean. Ultimately, algae are essential to our way of life, and can even help save our environment.
Don’t forget to browse our blog for even more environmental topics.
