Rohevetikad

Rohevetikad, commonly known as green algae, constitute a diverse phylum of eukaryotic organisms within the Viridiplantae clade. They are found in a wide range of habitats, including freshwater, marine environments, and terrestrial ecosystems, often forming visible mats or blooms. Their characteristic green color is due to the presence of chlorophyll a and b, pigments identical to those found in land plants, which are essential for photosynthesis. This photosynthetic ability places them as primary producers in many aquatic ecosystems, forming the base of food webs.

The morphology of green algae is highly varied. They can exist as single cells, simple filaments, or complex colonial structures. Some species exhibit differentiation within their thallus, while others are relatively undifferentiated. Reproduction in green algae can be asexual, through methods like fragmentation, spore formation, or binary fission, or sexual, involving the fusion of gametes. This reproductive flexibility contributes to their widespread distribution and ecological success.

Ecologically, rohevetikad play a significant role in oxygen production and nutrient cycling in aquatic systems. While beneficial in many contexts, excessive growth, often termed eutrophication, can lead to algal blooms that deplete dissolved oxygen and negatively impact aquatic life. Their evolutionary relationship with land plants is a subject of ongoing research, with evidence suggesting that land plants evolved from a group of freshwater green algae.