Alga of the Year
Background
Since 2007, the Phycology Section chooses an alga of the year, which is introduced to the public audience. Algae are the most important oxygen producers on our planet. They consume the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. Diatoms alone delivers 25 % of the world's terrestrial and aquatic primary production. Diatoms therefore produce every fourth oxygen molecule on earth. This is not surprising since two thirds of our planet is covered by oceans and seas. Their light-flooded layers are inhabited by algae. Moreover, algae are of phylogenetic interest, since they are on the base of all land plants. The scientists organized in the Phycology Section therefore aim to introduce and enthuse others for this fascinating, important and diverse group of organisms.
