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by: Ray S. and Matt W.

 

Red algae (Rhodophyta) are some of the oldest eukaryotic organisms on the planet. Fossils of red algae have been found that are over 2 billion years old. There are over 4000 different species of red algae. They are very abundant in tropical and warm waters, although many are found in cooler waters. Red algae are typically found in marine waters attached to rocks or other plants in the calmer, deeper waters beyond the tidal zone. Their accessory pigments called phycobilins mask the chlorophyll a and give them their red color. Due to these specialized pigments, red algae are often able to photosynthesize in deeper water than other algae.

 

This is Chondracanthus exasperatus. It's common name is the Turkish Towel and can be found frequently along sea shores.

 

 

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