ALGAE

Species that are commonly referred to as algae constitute an extremely heterogenous group of organisms. Algae include life-forms whose cells lack a nucleus that are related to the bacteria (bluegreen algae or cyanobacteria) as well as groups of organisms whose cells have an organized nucleus, but that are so evolutionarily diverse that they are placed into different phyla. Although not formally plants, algae can undergo photosynthesis and thus are autotrophs.

The algal flora of the Connecticut River includes members of the kingdoms Prokaryotae (Cyanobacteria) and Protoctista. In the latter the river flora includes members of a number of different phyla. In the following webpage, we will present descriptions of some of the major algal species in the river as well as interesting aspects of their biology and ecology.

Bioindicators of Improved Water Quality

Algal Haystacks

References:

Hoek, C. Van den, D.G. Mann and H.M. Jahns. 1995. Algae: An Introduction to Phycology.

Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Margulis, L. and K. V. Schwartz. 1998. Five Kingdoms (3rd Edition).

W. H. Freeman and Company, New York.

Margulis, L., J.O. Corliss, M. Melkonian and D.J. Chapman. Handbook of Protoctista.

Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Boston.

Pentecost, A. 1984. Introduction to Freshwater Algae. Richmond Publishing Co. Ltd.,

Surrey, England.

Prescott, G.W. 1970. How to Know the Freshwater Algae. Wm. C. Brown, Dubuque, Iowa.

Smith, G.M. 1950. The Freshwater Algae of the United States. McGraw-Hill, New York.

Bold, H. C. and M. J. Wynne. 1978. Introduction to the Algae.

Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.