Current, comprehensive, and readily accessible to all readers regardless of their knowledge on the subject, this information-packed resource on freshwater, marine, and terrestrial algae forms focuses on what people really want to know about algae--why they are so diverse; how they are related; how to distinguish the major types; their roles in food webs, global biogeochemical cycling; the formation of harmful algae bloom; and how we utilize them. Provides a stimulating overview of the importance of algae. Covers biotic associations involving algae, with discussions on herbivory interactions, algal food quality, symbioses, pathogeneic interactions, and more. Considers the economic, ecological, and biotechnological applications of algae, and provides complete coverage on algal biodiversity, classification systems, molecular phylogenetics, and application of molecular information to ecological problems. Offers a detailed study on endosymbiosis. and includes intensive, stand-alone chapters on cryptomonads, dinoflagellates, ochrophytes, red algae, green algae, and phytoplankton ecology. Covers new analytical techniques (i.e. molecular phylogenetics, DNA-based approaches to the study of life cycles, and fluorescence methods for the study for photosynthesis); integrates many interesting boxed essays; and enhances material with numerous photos and illustrations. For researchers and professionals in the fields of aquatic ecology and technological application of algae.