Class Phaeophyceae, commonly known as brown algae, is a diverse group of macroalgae found primarily in marine environments. With over 1,500 species, Phaeophyceae play important ecological roles as primary producers and provide habitat for many sea creatures. Synonyms for this class include brown seaweed, kelp, and rockweed. Brown seaweed is often used to describe Phaeophyceae species that thrive in colder waters, while kelp commonly refers to large, brown algae that form dense forests in temperate and polar regions. Rockweedis used to describe Phaeophyceae algae that cling to rocky intertidal zones. Regardless of the synonym used, Phaeophyceae are a critical component of the marine ecosystem and play an important role in maintaining marine biodiversity.