A common feauture of the division
Phaeophyta, distinguishing it from the other algae, is the presence
in pigment composition of the fucoxantine which causes
brown colour of these algae. Filiform, cord-like, lamiated and other forms are
represented. Brown algae are the marine benthic organisms inhabitimg the seas
of all geographic zones. In boreal and Arctic seas they prevail in the number
of species, play the leading role in the flora, and predominate in the benthic
communities.
The Laminariales and Fucales from vast thickets and
determine the character of
littoral and sublittoral vegetation. The thickets serve as environment and nourishment
for many invertebrates and fishes. An overwhelming majority of brown algae are
the lithophytes associated with solid grounds. Small filiform and crust forms
often grow attached to other algae and animals.
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