Algae are organisms that grow in aquatic environments
and use light and carbon dioxide (CO2
) to create biomass.
There are two classifications of algae: macroalgae
and microalgae. Macroalgae are the large (measured
in inches), multi-cellular algae often seen growing in
ponds. These larger algae can grow in a variety of ways.
The largest multi-cellular algae are called seaweed; an
example is the giant kelp plant which can be more than
100 feet long. Microalgae, on the other hand, are tiny
(measured in micrometers), unicellular algae that normally
grow in suspension within a body of water.