Algae are neither plants nor fungi. They belong to a separate group of organisms known as protists. While algae share some characteristics with plants, such as the ability to perform photosynthesis, they lack the complex structures found in true plants, like roots, stems, and leaves.
Algae are primarily aquatic organisms and can be found in both freshwater and marine environments. They play a crucial role in ecosystems by producing oxygen and serving as the base of the food chain for many aquatic organisms.
Unlike fungi, which are heterotrophic and obtain nutrients by absorbing organic matter, algae are autotrophic, meaning they produce their own food through photosynthesis. This key difference places algae in a distinct category separate from both plants and fungi.