The Lives of Seaweeds

A richly illustrated exploration of the world's seaweeds and algaeThe Lives of Seaweeds presents an inside look at the remarkable world of seaweeds and other algae. Coming in all colors, shapes, and sizes, from unicellular and bioluminescent algae to giant kelps, seaweeds and algae are omnipresent, forming the basis of most marine food webs. They are also the most numerous photosynthetic organisms on Earth and provide seventy percent of the planet's oxygen. Touted as the biofuel of the future, they are a cheap and nutritious food source, exhibit antiviral and antitumor properties, and play a central role in biogeochemical cycles that maintain the health of our planet.Featuring hundreds of beautiful images, this book takes a deep dive to explore the unique traits and characteristics of seaweeds and other algae. A wealth of graphics, photos, and accessible text outlines their evolution, morphology, life histories, ecology, and uses. Offering rare insights into the algal world, The Lives of Seaweeds is essential reading for naturalists and marine life enthusiasts.

An engaging and richly illustrated exploration of the natural history of seaweeds and other algaeAs photosynthetic organisms, seaweeds and other algae transfer billions of tons of carbon globally from the atmosphere to the deep ocean each year. Coming in all manner of colors, shapes, and sizes, from bioluminescent single-celled algae to giant kelps, they form the basis of most marine food webs, and are found in almost all environments on the planet. Touted as the biofuel of the future, seaweeds and algae also hold promise for biodegradable packaging, offer a nutritious food source, and exhibit antiviral and antitumor properties.Combining accessible text with stunning images and graphics, this book takes a deep dive to explore the unique characteristics of seaweeds and other algae, outlining their extraordinary evolution as well as their morphology, life histories, ecology, and uses. Offering rare insights into the algal world, The Lives of Seaweeds is essential reading for naturalists and marine life enthusiasts.