This document provides information about algae, including their definition, characteristics, habitats, and classification. Some key points: i. Algae are chlorophyll-bearing microorganisms that can be unicellular or multicellular. They are mostly aquatic but also occur in soils, rocks, snow, and other habitats. ii. Algae have simple plant-like bodies but lack vascular tissues and true roots/leaves. Reproduction occurs through mitosis or meiosis rather than embryogenesis. iii. Algae are classified into 11 major groups, with the first four - cyanobacteria, green algae, diatoms, and yellow-green algae - commonly found in soils. Blue-green al