The life of diatoms in the world's oceans
In: Nature: International Weekly Journal of Science. Nature Publishing Group: London. ISSN 0028-0836; e-ISSN 1476-4687, more
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Keywords |
Algae > Diatoms Aquatic organisms > Marine organisms Chemical compounds > Carbon compounds > Atmospheric gases > Carbon dioxide Climate change Marine/Coastal |
Abstract |
Marine diatoms rose to prominence about 100 million years ago and today generate most of the organic matter that serves as food for life in the sea. They exist in a dilute world where compounds essential for growth are recycled and shared, and they greatly influence global climate, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and marine ecosystem function. How these essential organisms will respond to the rapidly changing conditions in today’s oceans is critical for the health of the environment and is being uncovered by studies of their genomes. |
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