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More than half the oxygen you breathe doesn't come from big forests — it comes from tiny living things floating in water. What are they? Let's find out.
What are microalgae and why are they important?
Microalgae
micro
very small
algae
plant-like, makes its own food
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Microalgae are microscopic plant-like organisms that make their own food using sunlight.
- They are microscopic plant-like organisms.
- They make their own food using sunlight and release oxygen.
- They produce more than half of Earth's oxygen.
How are microalgae useful, and why must we protect them?
Why do microalgae matter to us?
Microalgae
Tiny plant-like organisms
They give oxygen
Half of Earth's oxygen
Example:
Oxygen released in water
They feed and heal us
Rich in nutrients
Example:
Spirulina
Chlorella
Diatoms
They clean and fuel
Clean water, make biofuel
Example:
Biofuel
- They feed many water animals and clean water.
- They are used to make biofuel and medicines.
- Pollution and climate change threaten them, so we must conserve them.
Important Points
- Microalgae maintain the oxygen balance on Earth.
- Conserving them supports food security and the environment.
š Ever heard of ...
- Spirulina is a microalga called a "superfood".
- It is over 60% protein and rich in vitamin B12.
- It has very little fat or sugar.
- It can be grown easily in tanks of pond water.
Important Definitions
- Microalgae — Microscopic plant-like organisms that make food using sunlight and release oxygen.
