Write a note on economic importance of Algae and Bryophytes.

Explanation

Importance of Algae :
1) At least a half of the carbon dioxide fixatiotion earth is carried out by Algae through photosynthesis and increases the level of oxygen in the environment.
2) They are paramount importance as primary producers of energy rich compounds which form the basis of the food cycles of aquatic animals.
3) Many species of Porphyra, Laminaria and sargassum are used as food.
4) Some marine Brown and red algae produce large amounts of hydro carbons.
Ex : Algin and Carrageen.
5) Iodine is extracted from kelps like Laminaria.
6) Chlorella and Spirullina are used as food supplements even by space travellers.
Economic importance of Bryophytes :
1) Some mosses provide food for herbaceous mammals, birds and other animals.
2) Species of Sphagnum a moss provide peat used as fuel and because of its capacity to hold water as packing material for trans - shipment of living material.
3) Mosses along with lichens are the first organisms to Colonise rocks.
4) They play significant role in plant succession.
5) Mosses form dense mats on the soil, thus they reduce the impact of falling rain and prevent soil erosion.