Algae produce the majority of the ocean's oxygen through photosynthesis, just like trees do on land. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.
Marine algae are the undisputed champions of oxygen production in the ocean. Through photosynthesis, they absorb sunlight and release oxygen in exchange. Alone, these small aquatic plants produce nearly half of all the oxygen available on our planet, which is no small feat. Among them, phytoplankton is particularly efficient, despite its microscopic size. Without it, marine and terrestrial life would struggle to breathe easily.
Algae do their cleaning job by capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from seawater. They absorb this CO₂ during a process known as photosynthesis, much like terrestrial plants, thus converting this polluting gas into organic matter useful for their growth. In doing so, they effectively trap carbon in plant form instead of allowing it to accumulate in the atmosphere. As a result, algae mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in our environment. The more algae there are, the more CO₂ is absorbed; it's as simple as that!
Seaweeds serve as a food base for many marine organisms, such as fish, crustaceans, and zooplankton. Overall, if seaweeds were to disappear, the entire marine food web would collapse. They also provide habitat for many small animals, offering them protection from predators and safe breeding grounds. Some seaweeds – notably the large kelps – form real underwater forests that are essential for preserving marine biodiversity. In short, without them, the oceans would be significantly less vibrant and diverse.
Algae play an essential role in regulating the global climate due to their ability to capture and store a large amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂). By absorbing this greenhouse gas, they naturally reduce its accumulation in the atmosphere. Marine microalgae even produce, by releasing sulfur compounds, substances that contribute to cloud formation above the oceans. These clouds reflect some of the solar rays back into space, helping to cool the planet. Without these small, unobtrusive yet highly effective algae, our climate would be very different!
Some species of algae, such as giant kelp, can grow up to 60 cm in a single day, playing a crucial role in the rapid absorption of marine CO₂.
It is estimated that a large part of the oil extracted today comes from microscopic algae that decomposed millions of years ago.
Marine algae create essential habitats for many aquatic species: nearly a quarter of known marine species depend directly or indirectly on algae for survival.
Red algae have long been used in human food: Japanese sushi is sometimes wrapped in nori, a thin layer of edible red seaweed.
Yes. Just as terrestrial forests convert carbon dioxide into oxygen through photosynthesis, oceanic algae perform exactly the same process in the oceans on an even larger scale.
Absolutely! By absorbing carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, ocean algae play a fundamental role in regulating the global climate and reducing global warming.
A sudden decrease or disappearance of algae would lead to a dramatic collapse of the oxygen content in our atmosphere, as well as a catastrophic intensification of climate change, directly affecting life on Earth.
Our daily consumption of fossil fuels, the excessive use of fertilizers, and ocean pollution severely affect the ability of marine algae to grow effectively. Adopting more eco-friendly practices helps to preserve this vital pillar of our marine ecosystem.
Oceanic algae, including phytoplankton, produce about 50 to 80% of the total oxygen on Earth, making them a major oxygen producer, even surpassing all the terrestrial forests.
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