Volvocine algae

Volvocine algae are a group of green algae that range from simple, single-celled organisms to more complex, colony-forming structures. They are part of the broader group called volvocines, showcasing a gradual evolution from individual cells to coordinated, multicellular forms. Some well-known examples include Volvox, which forms spherical colonies with specialized cells for reproduction and movement, and Chlamydomonas, a single-celled, motile organism. These algae are important for understanding how complex multicellularity evolved, and they are commonly found in freshwater environments, playing a role in aquatic ecosystems and the food chain.