PINNULARIA Meaning and
Definition
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Pinnularia is a genus of diatoms, which are microscopic single-celled organisms belonging to the phylum Bacillariophyta. Diatoms are a diverse group of algae that are characterized by their unique cell walls, known as frustules, which consist of two overlapping halves made of silica.
Pinnularia diatoms are typically elongated and boat-shaped, with a central raphe that runs along their length, allowing them to move and adjust their position within their aquatic environment. They are classified into the family Pinnulariaceae, which includes numerous species distributed worldwide in freshwater habitats, but they can also be found in brackish and marine environments.
These diatoms are an essential component of the aquatic food web, as they play a role in primary production by performing photosynthesis. Pinnularia species are commonly found attached to various surfaces, such as rocks, sand grains, or aquatic plants, and they can form slimy biofilms. They are particularly sensitive to changes in their environment, including water chemistry and nutrient availability, and therefore, they are often used as indicators of water quality and ecological health in freshwater ecosystems.
Pinnularia diatoms have also attracted attention from researchers and scientists due to their complex and intricate silica cell walls, which have applications in fields like nanotechnology and material science. Moreover, their preserved frustules in sediment cores provide valuable information for paleoecological and environmental studies, allowing scientists to reconstruct past conditions and changes in aquatic ecosystems.
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In geol., a term applied to the Coal-measure fossil plants that occur in small root-like fragments with slender stems.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PINNULARIA
- pinnularya
- pinnularaa
- pinnularma
- pinnularha
- pinnularii
- pinnularie
- pinnularic
- piennularia
- pi nnularia
- pin nularia
- pinn ularia
- pinnu laria
- pinnul aria
- pinnula ria
- pinnular ia
- pinnulari a
Etymology of PINNULARIA
The word "pinnularia" originates from the Latin language. It is derived from the Latin word "pinnula", which means "small feather or fin". The suffix "-aria" denotes a place or condition. Pinnularia is the name of a genus of diatoms, which are a type of microscopic algae characterized by their intricate siliceous cell walls. The name likely refers to the delicate and fringed appearance of the diatom's cell walls, resembling small feathers or fins.
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