What Are the Adaptations of Algae?

Aquatic algae is one of the simplest plant organisms on our planet. If life evolved from bacteria to plants, from sea creatures to land creatures, algae is likely one of the primal stepping stones in the evolutionary process. Aquatic algae demonstrates properties which are found in animal life and plant life, including the ability to adapt to its surroundings.

Like chameleon lizards that change color to blend in with their surroundings, individual algae strains have demonstrated the ability to uniquely adapt to individual environments in order to blend in with, or overcome the challenges of, their environment. In a coral reef setting, algae becomes highly regenerative.

Asexual reproduction enables a plant or animal species to reproduce on its own and survive in a highly competitive surroundings. Sexual reproduction requires a male and a female of the species to provide the necessary elements of a complete regeneration phase. For example, mammals require a female egg to be fertilized by a male sperm to create a new life. Aquatic algae has adapted the ability to reproduce asexually and sexually. Asexual reproduction is accomplished through fragmentation. The plant drops spores which can plant themselves and grow. Sexual reproduction occurs when gametes from two species meet to form a spore called a syngamy, which then produces and releases algae seeds, mature cells that can plant themselves, grow or reproduce.

Aquatic algae demonstrates photosensitive and cosmetic adaptation throughout the ocean. If algae originated from a single strain, environmental evolutions have forced the adaptation into red, brown, yellow and green color algae which each blend in with their environmental surroundings. This adaptation helps algae avoid being completely consumed by the local fish species.