|
 See More Images
Actinoptychus heliopelta
© 1995 UCMP
Sceptroneis caduceus
© 1995 UCMP
Unknown diatom (cingulum)
© 1997 UCMP
|
What are Diatoms? Diatoms are unicellular organisms that build delicate silica shells called frustrules. Diatoms are extremely abundant members of both marine and fresh-water ecosystems, where they are major primary producers, serving as a rich food resource for other animals. They are also economically important, used as filtering agents, in paints, and as abrasives in many cleansers, including toothpaste. First known fossil occurrence: Cretaceous. Last known fossil occurrence: Quaternary. This group has living relatives. |
Fossils through time:
Choose a time period to see what life was like:
|
|
