Cardano uses a consensus algorithm called Ouroboros, which is a highly efficient and energy-sustainable proof-of-stake (PoS) protocol. Cardano's native cryptocurrency is called ADA, after Ada Lovelace, a mathematician and computer science pioneer. Since its launch, Cardano has been known for its meticulous, evidence-based approach to the development of its technology, seeking to offer a robust and adaptable infrastructure for decentralized applications and smart contracts.