ECOSYSTEMS DIGITAL SEN

Algae (AL-gee) live in the water of the vernal pool ecosystem. Individual algae in the vernal pool are very small. Some algae drift alone near the surface of the water, and some algae grow in groups. As they increase in number in their group, they become visible as pool scum. Algae are similar to plants because they make their own food from water and air. Algae are different from plants because they do not have a stem or leaves.

 

Many organisms eat algae such as zooplankton, fairy shrimp, snapping turtles, and water fleas.