Beberapa catatan tentang algae berzat kapur

NOTES ON CALCAREOUS ALGAE. In simplest term, calcareous algae are algae with high calcium carbonate content. Phenotically, the thalli of calcareous algae form a structure similar to high plant's roots, stems and leaves. Their skeleton can be soft, cartilagenous or calcareous and have variety of branching i.e. pinnate alternate, pinnate distichous, verticillate and monopodial The species of these algae belong to three classes i.e. Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta, and Rhodophyta. They are widely distributed, from temperate to tropical waters but are found much more abundant in the latter area either in species number or in biomass. Coral reefs area are their most suitable habitat especially those facing to strong waves. They mostly inhabit shallow waters but some species can be found in waters of 200 m deep. Naturally, calcareous algae grow in association with other biota i.e. another algae, seagrasses, molluscs and corals. They play an important role in the coral reef ecology in the form of calcium carbonate production.