Complex Algae
w Complex algae are divided into three groups according to their photosynthetic pigments: green, brown, and red. w Complex algae live at different depths of water based on the penetration of light colors into water. w White light colors are: red – orange – yellow – green – blue – violet.
Green Algae – Phylum Chlorophyta
Chlamydomonas
Volvox – a colonial protist
Spirogyra
Ulva
Chara w Land plants are thought to have evolved from some extinct green alga that resembles Chara
Brown Algae –Phylum Phaeophyta
Fucus
Kelp
Red Algae – Phylum Rhodophyta
Scinaia furcellata
Review w Green algae have chlorophylls a and b w Brown algae have chlorophylls a and c w Red algae have chlorophylls a and d w What do all algae have in common? w Why do complex algae live at different depths of water? w Land plants are thought to have evolved from a green alga, why?