The transformation of green, photosynthetic algae from their original simple aquatic life to advanced terrestrial plants was a key event in the history of planet Earth, ranking in significance with the origin of photosynthesis. It is quite obvious from phylogenetic, molecular and morphological studies that higher plants are derived from …

Phycology or algology is the study of algae. The word ‘Phycology’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Phykos’ meaning seaweed. The algae are thallophytes (plants lacking roots, stems and leaves) that have chlorophyll as their primary photosynthetic pigment and lack a sterile covering of cells around their reproductive cells or …

First model – proposed by Jude (1940) and Lindemann (1942). Later on more sophisticated models proposed, by Odum (1957), Teal (1957) and Mann (1969). Model proposed by Mann (1969) is shown in Fig.  Two principles apply in it: According to laws of thermodynamics, energy can be up taken only once, …