Algae around UConn

Biodiversity hidden to the naked eye

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.

• Dinobryon is a colonial flagellated alga from the class Chrysophyceae, a member of the Stramenopiles.

Dinobryon cf. cylindricum from Walker Reservoir, Vernon, CT

• 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.

Synura cf.uvella from Walker Reservoir, Vernon, CT

• Some algae grow on plants or on other algae - epiphytically. Below is an example of a green filamentous algae, Aphanochaete from the order Chaetophorales, growing on another green filamentous alga, Oedogonium (order Oedogoniales).

Aphanochaete repens from Walker Reservoir, Vernon, CT