So, What Exactly Is Algae?
Algae is the common, or non-scientific, name given to a large group of eukaryotic organisms that use photosynthesis to
produce energy. Different species of algae may actually only be distantly related, but they tend to share
similar characteristics.
Included in this group are microscopic organisms ranging from the single-celled microalgae
and diatoms all the way to the enormous giant kelp, that can grow to 45 m or more. Algae can
grow in both freshwater and saltwater and are different from land plants because they don't have
roots, stems, and leaves.