Algae+1

ALGAE ** __**BASIC INFORMATION**__ > **__FOUND__** In ponds Shallow marine waters
 * Algae are plantlike protists that make their own food
 * Algae are known as producers, or autotrophs
 * Since they make their own food, algae form the base of most aquatic food chains
 * Freshwater algae use energy from the sun and dissolved nutrients in a stream or river to make their own food
 * Algae are photosynthetic organisms that occur in most habitats. They vary from small, single-celled forms to complex multicellular forms, such as the giant kelps that grow to 65 meters in length
 * Are a large and diverse group of simple, typically autotrophic organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms. The largest and most complex marine forms are called seaweeds. They are photosynthetic, like plants, and "simple" because they lack the many distinct organs found in land plants.
 * Naturally growing seaweeds are an important source of food, they include many vitamins
 * The algae are the primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, on unstable substrates (muds and sands) and in marine habitats. Algae are commonly used as foodstuffs, food additives, toothpastes, etc. 

Algae can have very harmful effects, including the poisoning of fish, habitat disruptions, water discoloration, beach fouling, and even toxic effects for humans.

Animal-like Protists