Diminutive Organisms Needed for Life

      As a miniature organism, alga is necessary for the health of the planet as well as for utilization by humans everyday in astounding ways.  Surprisingly, algae efficiently produce seventy percent of the earth’s photosynthesis, releasing oxygen into the air for mammals to breath. Despite their size, this group of microorganisms, sometimes found in plankton, is food to many large and small creatures. Diatoms, a type of yellow algae, are possibly the most abundant life form on earth, second only to bacteria. Diatomaceous earth, distinctly formed when diatoms die and are fossilized, have been found in California expanding to four hundred ninety-five yards in length and are suspected to have begun forming during the time of Noah’s Flood. Astonishingly, there are many household products created with diatoms such as toothpastes, scouring powders, and filters. Also produced with diatoms are items used by builders: bricks, tiles, cements, and dynamites. Algin, a gummy substance obtained from kelp (another form of algae), is found in chocolate milk, the all-time favorites ice cream and pudding, and even aspirin and lotions! Algae are life-giving. Utilized in everyday products by people as well as keeping the earth in first-class health, alga is a diminutive organism needed by many living things.  

Graham, Keith. and Gregory Parker.  “Algae.”  Biology: God’s Living Creation. Third Edition.  A Beka Science Book Series.  Pensacola, FL: Pensacola Christian College, 2008.  74-77.