Difference between revisions of "Algae around UConn"
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[[Image:Uroglenopsis.jpg|thumb|center|''Uroglenopsis'' cf. ''americana'' from Middle Bolton Lake, Vernon, CT]] | [[Image:Uroglenopsis.jpg|thumb|center|''Uroglenopsis'' cf. ''americana'' from Middle Bolton Lake, Vernon, CT]] | ||
[[Image:Melosira.jpg|thumb|left|''Melosira'' sp., a common chain-forming diatom from Middle Bolton Lake, Vernon, CT]] | [[Image:Melosira.jpg|thumb|left|''Melosira'' sp., a common chain-forming diatom from Middle Bolton Lake, Vernon, CT]] | ||
+ | [[Image:Nitzschia.jpg|thumb|left|''Nitzschia sigma'', a unicellular diatom from pond on Forest Rd., Mansfield, CT]] | ||
[[Image:Tabellaria.jpg|thumb|right|''Tabellaria'' sp., a common colony-forming diatom from Middle Bolton Lake, Vernon, CT]] | [[Image:Tabellaria.jpg|thumb|right|''Tabellaria'' sp., a common colony-forming diatom from Middle Bolton Lake, Vernon, CT]] | ||
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Revision as of 17:46, 23 June 2014
Contents
Microorganisms are incredibly diverse. A small sample of water from a local pond can contain dozens of species - some related to plants, some related to fungi, and some belonging to completely different, ancient lineages of eukaryotes. Algae are a subset of this diversity: they are organisms that contain a photosynthetic organelle (plastid). Here are a few examples of the charismatic algae found in the vicinity of the University of Connecticut.
See the map of sampled localities
Stramenopiles
Many microscopic and macroscopic algae belong to the group called Stramenopiles (also referred to as heterokonts). Diatoms, Chrysophytes, and Synurophytes are microscopic, and Phaeophytes (kelps, or brown algae) are mostly macroscopic and marine.
- Dinobryon is a colonial flagellated alga from the class Chrysophyceae. Another colonial chrysophyte is Uroglenopsis, also found in CT (Middle Bolton Lake).
- Synura is a genus of the Synurophyceae, a sister group to Chrysophyceae. Their plastids give members of both groups a typical golden-brown color. Synurophyceae have cells covered with siliceous scales. Detailed examination of scale morphology is often needed for species identification. Colonies of Synura are not the most elegant of swimmers, but are fun to watch tumbling around.
Dinoflagellates
Dinoflagellates are a group related to the Stramenopiles. Ceratium and Peridinium are common freshwater genera.
Euglenoids
Euglenoids are an ancient lineage most closely related to Kinetoplastida (best known for the parasite Trypanosoma). They acquired photosynthetic abilities by engulfing a green alga - and therefore they may superficially resemble one. Among the commonly occurring genera are Euglena and Phacus.
Green algae
- Some algae grow on plants or on other algae - epiphytically. Aphanochaete from the order Chaetophorales, is an example of a green filamentous alga growing on another green filamentous alga, Oedogonium (order Oedogoniales).
- Some green algae form colonies with defined numbers of cells. Such colonies are called coenobia. Commonly found coenobial green algae are Pediastrum, Stauridium, Coelastrum Desmodesmus, and Scenedesmus
- Not all algae are microscopic. Aside from the conspicuous marine seaweeds, several freshwater algae are also observable by the naked eye. The green algae of the class Charophyceae (stoneworts) can be found in many water bodies in the Northeast, but can be easily mistaken for aquatic plants.
Green algae: desmids
The order desmidiales contains some of the most spectacular of algae. Many species of the crescent-shaped Closterium can be found in the Northeast, as well as Cosmarium, Staurastrum, Euastrum, Micrasterias, Xanthidium, and others.