The Lives of Seaweeds
A Natural History of Our Planet's Seaweeds and Other Algae
The Lives of Seaweeds presents an inside look at the remarkable world of seaweeds and other algae. Coming in all colours, shapes, and sizes, from unicellular and bioluminescent algae to giant kelps, seaweeds and algae are omnipresent, forming the basis of most marine food webs. They are also the most numerous photosynthetic organisms on Earth and provide seventy percent of the planet’s oxygen. Touted as the biofuel of the future, they are a cheap and nutritious food source, exhibit antiviral and antitumor properties, and play a central role in biogeochemical cycles that maintain the health of our planet.
Featuring hundreds of beautiful images, this book takes a deep dive to explore the unique traits and characteristics of seaweeds and other algae. A wealth of graphics, photos and accessible text outlines their evolution, morphology, life histories, ecology and uses. Offering rare insights into the algal world, The Lives of Seaweeds is essential reading for naturalists and marine life enthusiasts.
Julie A. Phillips is an environmental consultant in aquatic ecosystem health, algal blooms, and seaweed communities. She has investigated a diverse range of algal projects on reproduction, life histories, ultrastructure of motile cells, chemical composition of pheromones, taxonomy, biogeography, invasive species, ecology, biodiversity and conservation. Prior to consultancy, she was research fellow at Monash University and the University of Queensland.
