Algae as Primary Producers
Algae are primary producers. As producers, algae create food from inorganic matter using photosynthesis. Algae convert water, sunlight and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates. Most algae possess chlorophyll a. By photosynthesis, algae use sunlight to convert inorganic substances into organic compounds. Algae provide the main basis of aquatic food webs and produce oxygen essential for other organisms. Primary producers like algae and plants perform photosynthesis to create energy and oxygen. Algae indirectly produce all food and oxygen for Earth’s organisms. With photosynthesis, algae make their own food using inorganic ions, carbon dioxide, water and sunlight to produce complex organic molecules. In aquatic ecosystems, algae form the base of the food web as primary producers. Phytoplankton and other algae generate half the world’s oxygen. By producing oxygen and food, marine algae support almost all marine animals. As primary producers, algae grow by photosynthesis without needing to eat. Examples of other primary producers are plants, lichens, moss, bacteria and phytoplankton. In oceans, algae live as deep as sunlight penetrates to allow photosynthesis. Some algae are commercially important for food or extracts. Algae reproduce both sexually and asexually. Asexually, genetically identical algae form through vegetative growth. Sunlight drives algae growth via photosynthesis where light energy becomes chemical energy and glucose. Without sunlight, algae cannot photosynthesize or grow. Some algae have beneficial relationships with other organisms. Microscopic algae use photosynthesis to provide energy to coral. Fish and other consumers eat algae in ponds, while decomposing algae release nutrients, promoting more growth.
Algae as Main Basis of Aquatic Food Webs
Algae provide the main basis of aquatic food webs and produce oxygen essential for other organisms. Algae indirectly produce all food and oxygen for Earth’s organisms. With photosynthesis, algae make their own food using inorganic ions, carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to produce complex organic molecules.
Examples of Primary Producers
Algae create food from inorganic matter using photosynthesis. By photosynthesis, algae convert water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates. Most algae possess chlorophyll a. Examples of other primary producers are plants, lichens, moss, bacteria, and phytoplankton. Without sunlight, algae cannot photosynthesize or grow. Algae reproduce both sexually and asexually. Asexually, genetically identical algae form through vegetative growth. Microscopic algae use photosynthesis to provide energy to coral. Fish and other consumers eat algae in ponds, while decomposing algae release nutrients, promoting more growth.