The division Rhodophyta is
characterised by specific pigments (phycoerythrin and phycocyanin),
combined with chlorophylls and xanthophylls, they bring about
diferent colour of the algae, from pink to dark red and black,violet, bluish,
green and yellow-greish-brown. Only multicellular complex forms are represented
in the class. Red algae are typical marine organisms inhabiting the seas of all
geographical zones. They predominating in the communities of sublitoral and forming
the associations below the zone of brown algae.
Overwhelming majority of species are litophytes associated with rocky and stony
grounds, although epiphytes and parasites occur among them as well. The range
of depths where red algae live is wider than that for brown algae. The former
grow from littoral down to the lower limit of development of algae, which is
determinrd, especially in the northern seas, not only by light but the pattern
of distribution of hard grounds.
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