ISSN:
1615-6102
Keywords:
Adaptation
;
Diatoms
;
Environment
;
Resting-spores
;
Sexual reproduction
;
Valve formation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary The species-specific form and structure of the diatom shell is variable within a given genetical reaction-norm, depending on the dynamic interrelation between cell and environment. The appearing modifications—based on quantitative disarrangement of construction-units as well as on a change in size and outline—can be understood as the morphological expression of a changed metabolism which has become necessary for adaption to adverse conditions. The diatoms react very sensitively, especially to the salinity factor, whereby actually two alternatives of adaption occur: a vegetative, in building resting spores (f.i., Navicula cuspidata) and a generative (f.i., Anomoeoneis sphaerophora, Surirella peisonis). Teratologies have been found in totally unbalanced surroundings (especially under conditions of ion unbalance), where the usually symmetrical forms have lost the coordination of the construction-units to each other (f.i., Surirella peisonis). They supply good criteria in clarifying the problems concerning pattern development.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01274072
