Hobbies And Interests
Structure
The classification of blue algae as a bacterium means that each single organism is small and unicellular. Cyanobacteria grow in colonies large enough to be viewed macroscopically -- that is, by the naked eye.
Evolutionary Importance
Cyanobacteria are a primitive life form with a long history of important contributions to the evolution of biological life on the planet. Their origin dates back 3.5 billion years. The formation of the oxygen-rich atmosphere as it is known today is largely attributed to blue-green algae. The release of oxygen as a byproduct of their respiratory process during the Archaean and Proterozoic eras changed the chemistry of the atmosphere, filling it with oxygen and making it suitable for biological life as it is known today.
Health Concerns
The presence of blue-green algae in fresh water supplies is a common health concern for local health departments throughout the United States. Some forms produce toxic byproducts that are unsuitable for animal consumption when found in large concentrations, and many states view the control of algae populations as a public-health service.