Just because this algae is so beautiful....

ralfwagner · Post by **ralfwagner** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 7:52 am

Hello,

just because Micrasterias americana is such a beautiful desmid I want to show here my latest picture:

Enjoy!

Bruce Williams · Post by **Bruce Williams** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 8:17 am

Delicate and visually appealing lifeform. Any ideas about the small extensions at the extremities?

Bruce

MacroLuv · Post by **MacroLuv** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 8:29 am

Great! It looks like a snowflake!

Does all of them share the very same shape?

ralfwagner · Post by **ralfwagner** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 12:58 pm

Hello Bruce and MacroLuv,

these small extensions at the extremeties are typical for the genus Micrasterias, nevertheless there are some Micrasterias species without. There is no knowledge about the biological functionality, some interpret them as an aid for better floating, some say they are a kind of protection against beeing grubed. But none of these interpretations is for sure or scientifically verified.

All Micrasterias americana have exactly the same shape as shown here in my foto. Of course abnormal deviations exist, but these are mainly due to bad environmental influences or genetic defects.

svalley · Post by **svalley** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 6:10 pm

Ralf, beautiful shot.

beetleman · Post by **beetleman** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 6:27 pm

Nature is so grand even at its littlest. Just imagine what most people are missing

very beautiful photo Ralf, thank you.