Final answer:
Rhodophyceae, or red algae, have two distinguishing features: their red color and their adaptation to thrive in deep water.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two distinguishing features of the algal class Rhodophyceae are their red color and their ability to thrive in deep water.
- Red color: Rhodophyceae, also known as red algae, have red pigments called phycoerythrin and phycocyanin that give them their characteristic color. These pigments allow them to absorb blue and green light, which is abundant in deep water.
- Deep water adaptation: Rhodophyceae are adapted to survive and reproduce in deep water environments where light is limited. They have special pigments and structures that allow them to efficiently capture and utilize available light, such as rhodopsin and phycoerythrin. Some species of Rhodophyceae can photosynthesize at depths of up to 200 meters.
Learn more about Rhodophyceae features