Diatoms can vary in size and shape a great deal, ranging from 2 micrometers across, or roughly 35 times smaller than the width of a human hair, to 200 micrometers across, or roughly three times larger ...

There are several tens of thousands species, most of which are 0.1 millimeter or smaller and come in shapes such as circles, triangles and rugby balls. Diatoms can be arranged and placed together ...

Because diatom cell walls are comprised of opaline silica—essentially, glass—they remain preserved in sediments even after their organic components have decomposed. The shape of diatom cell ...

We also suggested that a warming climate will simultaneously enhance the productivity of large phytoplankton, such as diatoms, in coastal regions, owing to increased wind-driven upwelling 1.

Our diatom research is focused on the pursuit of comparative biology: the systematics, evolution and biogeography of freshwater diatoms. The research covers both extinct and extant taxa, and utilises ...

Although the shape and structure of the frustule vary from one diatom species to another, the frustule itself is a rather complex and well-organized structure capable of withstanding heavy loads.