Diatom
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Thalassiosira praeoestrupii
Diatoms are the most numerous unicellular algae in the oceans and as such are an important source of food and oxygen. They are also important in freshwater environments. They capture 20 to 25% of solar energy captured by living organisms. The cell walls of diatoms contain silica (a component of glass) and are formed in 2 halves like a pillbox.
Their remains form diatomaceous earth. It is used for filtering agents, and abrasives such as scouring powders. Diatoms are a major component of phytoplankton in freshwater and marine environments.Diatoms photosynthesize. They are categorized as either protists or chromists. They provide a significant amount of the world's oxygen supply (some say 35%). There are over a hundred thousand species identified. Diatoms live anywhere there is water and light, including lakes, streams, estuaries, oceans, puddles and wet rocks or soil. That brown scum you see on the rocks in the stream is probably diatoms. Diatomaceous earth is sometimes used in gardening as a pest control.
Their remains form diatomaceous earth. It is used for filtering agents, and abrasives such as scouring powders. Diatoms are a major component of phytoplankton in freshwater and marine environments.Diatoms photosynthesize. They are categorized as either protists or chromists. They provide a significant amount of the world's oxygen supply (some say 35%). There are over a hundred thousand species identified. Diatoms live anywhere there is water and light, including lakes, streams, estuaries, oceans, puddles and wet rocks or soil. That brown scum you see on the rocks in the stream is probably diatoms. Diatomaceous earth is sometimes used in gardening as a pest control.