Story: Life in fresh water

Diatom

Diatom

This beautiful image of the diatom Fragilariforma was captured with a scanning electron micrograph.The specimen was found in a small tarn near Arthur’s Pass in the Southern Alps. Most people are not aware of these tiny life forms, but they are the most common algae in the world. They are important in both freshwater and marine environments.

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NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

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How to cite this page:

Roger Young, 'Life in fresh water - Plants and recyclers', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/11623/diatom (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Roger Young, published 24 Sep 2007