What is the scientific name for the blue-green algae known as spirulina?
Answer
Arthrospira platensis
The specific microalgae garnering attention from agencies like NASA for space applications is identified scientifically as Arthrospira platensis. This naming convention distinguishes it within the broader category of blue-green algae. Recognizing its scientific designation is important when discussing the precise biological material being studied for compact, sustainable food production far from Earth, as nutritional and cultivation parameters are specific to the species being researched.
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