There is scientific evidence that the closest relatives of plants are a group of algae that lived along the edges of ponds. Later, the first land plants emerged from these habitats, which alternated between wet and dry conditions. Most of them had to adapt to thrive in a different environment and achieve, for instance, astonishing growth—such as the giant sequoia of California, which stands over eighty meters tall with a trunk circumference of 24 meters at the base. Did you know that plants grow larger as their cells multiply and expand? Many can also grow a centimeter a day, doing so with enough force to break through asphalt..
Algae do not belong to the plant kingdom, as they do not possess all the characteristics and functions of plants. They lack roots and stems, since living in water means they do not need these organs to absorb it. They grow on the seabed or attached to rocks and are found in seas, rivers, and lakes. They come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. The amount of algae harvested annually worldwide is estimated at just over one million tons (dry weight), with Asian countries accounting for 80% of global production. They are used in agriculture and the food and pharmaceutical industries, and also serve as a significant source of income for many fishing families.