classification
The classification of algae is complex and somewhat controversial, especially concerning the blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), which are sometimes known as blue-green bacteria or Cyanophyta and sometimes included in the Chlorophyta. These topics are not covered in detail this document.However ,the following provides a taxonomical outline of algae.
Archaeplastida
Chlorophyta (green algae)
Rhodophyta(red algae)
Glaucophyta
Rhizaria,Excavata
Chlorarachniophytes
Euglenids
Chromista,Alveolata
Heterokonts
Bacilariophyceae (diatoms)
Axodine
Bolidomonas
Eustigmatophyceae
Phaeophyceae(brown algae)
Chrysophyceae(golden algae)
Raphidophyceae
Synurophyceae
Xanthophyceae (yellow -green algae)
Cryptophyta
Dinoflagellates
Haptophyta
The following sections discuss the characteristics and use of both 'ture' algae and the Cyanophyta ,hereinafter referred to as 'blue-green algae).