Introduction to the Silicoflagellata
- English
URL: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/chromista/silicoflagellata.html
Silicoflagellates are planktonic marine chromists that are both photosynthetic and heterotrophic. Their internal silica skeletons are composed of a network of bars, and resemble those of radiolarians but are generally much less complex. Silicoflagellate skeletons usually comprise 1-2% of the siliceous component of marine sediments; they are thus much less abundant than diatoms. However, they are widely distributed throughout the world ocean. This specimen of Dictyocha, shown above right, was recovered from modern deep-sea sediments in the North Pacific. [ eng ] |