Gurgel, C.Lopez-Bautista, J.2008-08-082008-08-082007Encyclopedia of Life Sciences, 20079780470016176http://hdl.handle.net/2440/47248The definitive version may be found at www.interscience.wiley.comRed algae are ancient aquatic plants with simple organization, noteworthy colour variation, vast morphological plasticity, challenging taxonomy and most extant species (about 6000 worldwide) are marine. They include species with complex life cycles, significant ecological importance and extensive economical applications.enBook chapter00200821102008080814583110.1002/9780470015902.a000033542356