Simple aquatic organisms that photosynthesize but lack true roots, stems, or leaves, ranging from microscopic to large seaweeds.
From Latin alga meaning 'seaweed,' originally referring only to marine plants. The modern scientific usage expanded to include all photosynthetic organisms lacking complex plant structures, established in the 19th century.
Algae produce over 70% of the world's oxygen and are responsible for the original oxygenation of Earth's atmosphere billions of years ago - we literally owe our breath to these simple organisms!
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