Algae form organic food molecules from carbon dioxide and water through the process of photosynthesis, in which they capture energy from sunlight. Algae produce an estimated 30 to 50 percent of the net global oxygen available to humans and other terrestrial animals for respiration. ...

What is importance of algae?

Algae are the most important photosynthesizing organisms on Earth. They capture more of the sun's energy and produce more oxygen than all plants combined. They form the foundation of most aquatic food webs, which support an abundance of animals.

Why are algae important to the ecosystem?

They play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems by forming the energy base of the food web for all aquatic organisms. As autotrophic organisms, algae convert water and carbon dioxide to sugar through the process of photosynthesis.