#8: The basis of life on Earth

🌊 Pico Underwater Exploration: The Essentials of Algae in Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems! 🌿

Dive into the waters of Pico to explore the mysteries of algae and discuss their vital importance in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Algae play an essential role in the production of over 50% of the oxygen consumed by the biosphere and form the basis of many food chains. With their diversity of organisms spanning several evolutionary groups, algae pose a complex challenge in terms of classification.

🌱 Algae diversity:

It is estimated that there are between 30,000 and over a million species of algae, and research is continuing to assess their ecological importance. Algae, including macroalgae and phytoplankton among other groups, play a crucial role in oxygen production, thanks in particular to microscopic phytoplankton.

🌏 Vital Importance:

Often referred to as "the lungs of the planet", algae are essential for the production of oxygen on a global scale. The oceans, where algae thrive, are crucial for maintaining the planet's oxygen levels, with phytoplankton being a major contributor.

In this video, you can find out more about:

00:37 - Algae, complex living creatures!

02:57 - Seaweed helps us breathe!

04:13 - The basis of food networks