Algae

Algae

Algae are tiny and big plants that live in water. Most of them grow in the ocean, but some live in freshwater like lakes and rivers. They can float in the water or stick to rocks and other things. Algae are very important because they make food from sunlight, just like plants on land.

Algae come in many shapes and sizes. Some are very small, like tiny cells called microalgae. Others are big, like seaweeds that can grow up to 50 metres long! They can be green, red, or brown, and they live almost everywhere in water. You can find them in warm seas, cold lakes, and even on snow and ice.

People use algae in many ways. In East Asia, people eat seaweed from the ocean. Algae also help feed animals, clean up pollution, and make useful products like fuels and medicines. They are very important for keeping our water clean and for making food for many sea creatures.

The word alga comes from Latin, meaning "seaweed". Learning about algae helps us understand how nature uses sunlight to create food and energy. Next time you see the ocean, look for the green and brown colors floating on the water — that might be algae hard at work!