Diatoms

Diatoms

A new freshwater diatom genus named Indiconema discovered from Eastern and Western Ghats

  • 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.


Practice Question

These are Microscopic algae serving as the base of the aquatic food chain. Due to their sensitivity towards any water chemistry changes, they are excellent indicators of aquatic health. The organism is

 
 
 
 

Question 1 of 1

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