Synurophytes in temperature, pH and trophic gradients – how does the scale-shape reflect environmental changes
Abstract
The siliceous cell covering of synurophytes consists of imbricated and precisely arranged scales. The scales are preserved in sediments for a prolonged period of time and are used in paleoecology to assess eutrophication, acidification or the shifts in climate.
Effect of environmental conditions on the growth or scale morphology was investigated in several experimental strains. The growth response was found to be a strain-specific.
The objectives of this study were to bring consistent information about temperature, pH and nutrient level related scale shape variation in experimental populations of Synura and Mallomonas.