Threatened species of Phycophyta

The algae are not true plants; nor are they a grouping of phylogenetically related organisms, but rather a group of convenience. Like the plants, the algae contain forms of chlorophyll or other photosynthetic pigments, which they use to capture light energy to fuel the manufacture of sugars, but unlike plants they are primarily aquatic. Because they are aquatic and manufacture their own food, these organisms are called "algae," and this group includes the Chlorphyta (green algae) and certain members of the Chromista, the Rhodophyta, and photosynthetic bacteria, even though they do not share a close relationship with each other.