The researchers found that different species of algae thrive at different elevations.
Two green microalgae varieties called Desmococcu and Symbiochloris, by contrast, only live at altitudes below 4,921 feet (1,500 meters).
The starkly separate distribution suggests that different kinds of algae are reliant on very particular thermal conditions to live.The scientists plan to continue their work with an expedition into the Alps this month, examining how blooms change during different seasons.
As far as why different algae species (red, green, etc) exists w.r.t elevation