diatoms
Glass-shelled plankton
Diatoms are microscopic single-celled algae with intricate silica shells, found abundantly in oceans and freshwater.
Their glass-like cell walls form geometric patterns—circles, triangles, elaborate lattices.
Diatoms produce a significant portion of Earth's oxygen through photosynthesis.
When they die, their shells accumulate as diatomaceous earth, used in filtration and abrasives.
Photosynthetic aquatic drifters
- unicellularOne cell only
- photosynthesisLight-to-sugar conversion in plants
- chloroplastsPhotosynthesis-performing cell structures
- eukaryoticHaving organized nuclear membrane
autotrophic · pennate · centric · raphe · valve · biofilm · epiphytic · planktonic
Resembling a feather
- centricRelating to center
- morphologyStudy of structural forms
- taxonomyScience of categorical arrangement
- classificationSystematic grouping by traits
Flower or flourishing state
- eutrophicationExcess nutrients depleting oxygen
- bioindicatorSpecies showing ecosystem health
- marineRelating to the sea
- freshwaterNon-saline aquatic environment
estuary · lake · stream · grazing · zooplankton · filter-feeders · biogeochemistry
Hydrated silica gemstone
- ornateElaborately decorated
- porousAllowing passage of fluids
- nanostructureSub-microscopic engineered formation
- filtrationSeparating solids from liquids
abrasive · absorbent · insulation · dynamite · toothpaste · pest-control · industrial · sediment
Sediment of diatom remains
- stratigraphyStudy of rock layers
- paleoclimatePast geological climate conditions
- MiocenePre-Pliocene geological epoch
- preservationMaintaining something's condition
assemblage · paleoecology · deep-sea · extinction · evolution
phytoplankton
Photosynthetic aquatic drifters
- unicellularOne cell only
- photosynthesisLight-to-sugar conversion in plants
- chloroplastsPhotosynthesis-performing cell structures
eukaryotic · autotrophic · pennate · centric · raphe · valve · biofilm · epiphytic · planktonic · benthic
pennate
Resembling a feather
- centricRelating to center
- morphologyStudy of structural forms
- taxonomyScience of categorical arrangement
bloom
Flower or flourishing state
- eutrophicationExcess nutrients depleting oxygen
- bioindicatorSpecies showing ecosystem health
- marineRelating to the sea
freshwater · estuary · lake · stream · grazing · zooplankton · filter-feeders · biogeochemistry
opal
Hydrated silica gemstone
- ornateElaborately decorated
- porousAllowing passage of fluids
- nanostructureSub-microscopic engineered formation
filtration · abrasive · absorbent · insulation · dynamite · toothpaste · pest-control · industrial · sediment · ooze
diatomite
Sediment of diatom remains
- stratigraphyStudy of rock layers
- paleoclimatePast geological climate conditions
- MiocenePre-Pliocene geological epoch
preservation · assemblage · paleoecology · deep-sea · extinction · evolution
diatomsamoebae
Unicellular shape-shifting organisms
bacteria · protozoa · paramecia · archaea · zooplankton
diatomsheterotrophs
Organisms needing external nutrition
bacteria · animals · zooplankton · protozoans · consumers