Delightful DiatomsDiatoms are a type of photosynthesising (although some are heterotrophic) algae wh

Delightful DiatomsDiatoms are a type of photosynthesising (although some are heterotrophic) algae which are found in almost every aquatic environment; from fresh and marine waters to soils. Diatoms are microscopic, most falling in the range of 20 to 200 microns (0.02-0.2 mm) in diameter or length. But don’t underestimate them. Diatoms play a fundamental role in aquatic ecosystems. In the ocean itself, the oxygen given off by diatoms (and plants) supports the majority of other marine life. Without this oxygen, the water would be uninhabitable and stagnant. Diatoms are also the basis of many food chains within aquatic environments and indirectly provide a food source for us terrestrial beings. These tiny algae also provide approximately 25% of the oxygen we breathe- the greatest gift of all!They are also quite a diverse group, as you can see in this image. Their siliceous wall can be highly patterned with a variety of pores, ribs, minute spines, marginal ridges and elevations; all of which can be used to delineate genera and species. There are more than 200 genera of living diatoms, and it is estimated that there are approximately 100,000 extant species ranging in shape from circular, triangular, square, or elliptical.-JeanPhoto courtesy of wikimedia commons. -- source link
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