Algae

At the origin of plant diversity

Green and red algae, both unicellular and multicellular, have been developing and diversifying along the oceans’ coasts for more than 500 million years (Ma), forming significant sedimentary deposits.

Chalk is the result of the accumulation of the remains of unicellular, planktonic algae, known as coccolithophorids.

Charophytes, in existence since the beginning of the Silurian (440 Ma), are distinguished from other green algae by their complex anatomical structure and architecture which are similar to those of terrestrial plants.