Context:
A new freshwater diatom genus named Indiconema discovered from Eastern and Western Ghats
Diatoms:
- Photosynthetic, single celled organism.
- These are Microscopic algae
- Serve as a base of the aquatic food chain.
- Due to their sensitivity towards any water chemistry changes, they are excellent indicators of aquatic health.
- A major group of algae and form one of the most common forms of phytoplankton.
- Habitat – Found in almost every aquatic environment including fresh and marine waters.
- Have cell walls made of silica
- Significance –
- Responsible for generating up to 50% of the oxygen produced globally each year.
- Remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from atmosphere, convert CO2 to organic carbon in form of sugar, and release oxygen.
- Serve as a base of aquatic food chain.
- E.g. Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings.
- Help in nutrient cycling of marine and lake waters.
Source: Times of India
Previous Year Question
Consider the following kinds of organisms:
1. Copepods
2. Cyanobacteria
3. Diatoms
4. Foraminifera
Which of the above are primary producers in the food chains of oceans?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 4
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Copepods and Foraminifera are not primary producers.
