Question

Study of algae is known as _________
a. Phycology
b. Pathology
c. Palynology
d. Mycology

Answer 1

Hint: Algae are chlorophyll bearing, simple, thalloid, autotrophic, and large aquatic organisms, found both in marine and freshwater systems.

Complete answer:
The study of algae is known as Phycology. The term ‘Phyco’ means Algae. William Henry Harvey is the father of Phycology and Mandayam Osuri Parthasarathy Iyengar is the Father of Indian Phycology.

Additional Information:
Other than in aquatic environments, algae are also found in moist stones, soils, and woods or sometimes in association with fungi (lichens) and animals ( Sloth bear). Algaes are present in various forms like microscopic unicellular like Chlamydomonas, colonial forms like Volvox, filamentous forms like Ulothrix, or have massive plant bodies like kelps found in marine water. Algae can undergo all three modes of reproduction -
-Vegetative reproduction occurs by fragmentation.
-Asexual reproduction occurs by the formation of different types of spores, most common being zoospores.
-Sexual reproduction can be Isogamous or Anisogamous.
Algaes can be divided into three main classes - Chlorophyceae (green algae), Phaeophyceae (brown algae), and Rhodophyceae (red algae). This classification is done on the basis of pigment composition.

So the correct answer is 'Phycology'

Notes:
- Isogamous sexual reproduction is when both the gametes are similar in size, whereas in anisogamous reproduction both gametes have different sizes.
- Half of the carbon dioxide fixation on earth is carried out by algae by photosynthesis. They increase the level of oxygen in their immediate environment.
- Algaes form the primary base of the food cycle in aquatic environments.
- Algaes have commercial use, such as Agar is used in the production of ice cream and jellies.