What kingdoms are blue-green, green & red algae?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the classification of blue-green, green, and red algae, exploring their respective kingdoms and the complexities involved in their taxonomy. Participants examine the definitions and classifications within biological taxonomy, particularly focusing on the status of red algae.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that blue-green algae are technically bacteria, while green algae are classified as plants, questioning the classification of red algae.
  • Another participant references external sources discussing the classification of red algae, indicating that the taxonomy is currently in flux and has not received significant attention historically.
  • Some participants propose that if the kingdom Plantae is defined broadly to include Archaeplastida, red algae would belong to that kingdom, while a narrower definition might place them in their own kingdom or within Protista.
  • There is a suggestion that the concept of Protista may no longer be valid, with alternatives like Protozoa or Chromista being considered.
  • One participant highlights the distinction between Linnaean and cladistic classifications, suggesting that this contributes to the classification issues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty and disagreement regarding the classification of red algae, with multiple competing views on their taxonomic status and the definitions of the kingdoms involved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reveals limitations in the current understanding of algal classification, including the dependence on varying definitions of kingdoms and the historical context of taxonomic research.

swampwiz
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AIUI, there are these 3 types of algae, with blue-green algae being technically bacteria, green algae being plants, but what are red algae?
 
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Bystander said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_algae

Hmmm. It looks like there's some problems with its classification:
Below are other published taxonomies of the red algae using molecular and traditional alpha taxonomic data; however, the taxonomy of the red algae is still in a state of flux (with classification above the level of order having received little scientific attention for most of the 20th century).[28]

  • If one defines the kingdom Plantae to mean the Archaeplastida, the red algae will be part of that kingdom
  • If Plantae are defined more narrowly, to be the Viridiplantae, then the red algae might be considered their own kingdom, or part of the kingdom Protista.
 
Drakkith said:
some problems with its classification:
Linnaean versus cladistic.o_O:wink:
 

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