Definition
Volvocales is an order of green algae characterized by motile, colonial forms. These algae range from simple unicellular organisms to complex multicellular colonies. They are commonly found in freshwater habitats, such as ponds and lakes. Volvocales exhibit a unique form of cellular organization, with cells often arranged in a spherical or ellipsoidal shape. Think of them as the synchronized swimmers of the micro-world. They're a model group for studying the evolution of multicellularity.