The Division Rhodophyta, also known as red algae, is a group of marine, mostly multicellular organisms known for their red or purplish color. Synonyms for this division include the Red Algae Division, Rhodophyceae Division, and Rhodospermae Division. The name Rhodophyta comes from the Greek word "rhodon," meaning rose, due to their reddish hue. These algae play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, providing food, shelter, and spawning grounds for a variety of marine animals. They are also used in various industries, such as cosmetics, food, and medicine. Despite being called algae, Rhodophyta is more closely related to plants than to other types of algae.