Question

Give an example of a filamentous algal form.

Answer 1

Filamentous algae:

1. The name "alga" refers to a broad and immensely diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotic life forms.
2. These organisms are not related since they do not have a common ancestor (polyphyletic).
3. Algae can be found in a variety of habitats, including seas, rivers, and lakes, as well as ponds, brackish waters, and even snow.
4. Algae are often green in color, however, they can come in a range of different colours.
5. Filamentous algae are microscopic algae that create threads or mesh-like filaments by linking themselves together.

Example:

1. Spirogyra and Ulothrix are examples of filamentous algae.
2. Spirogyra is free-floating green algae that can be found in ponds, lakes, and other freshwater environments.
3. The vegetative structure of these algae is filamentous and unbranched.
4. Ulothrix is a filamentous green algae genus found in both fresh and salt water.
5. It thrives in wet cliffs, damp soil, and stagnant water.