Which term denotes a group of red algae?

• A. Sea Grass
• B. Rhodophyta
• C. Stipe
• D. Unicellular Algae

Answer: (B)

Rhodophyta is the group name assigned to red algae. This taxonomic grouping identifies red algae as a distinct lineage of photosynthetic, mostly multicellular organisms that inhabit marine environments. Their characteristic pigment, phycoerythrin, gives them a red color and enables them to absorb blue light deeper in the water, which is a key feature used to recognize them. Sea grass refers to flowering plants, not algae, so it doesn’t describe a group of algae. The stipe is simply a stem-like support structure in many seaweeds, not a taxonomic group. Unicellular algae is too broad because red algae are typically multicellular and belong to their own phylum, Rhodophyta.