News Excerpt:
Researchers from the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune have identified a new genus of diatoms in the pristine waters of the Eastern Ghats mountain range.
About Indiconema:
- The genus has been named “Indiconema” due to its limited distribution within the country.
- One species of Indiconema has been discovered in the Eastern Ghats and another in the Western Ghats
- It highlights the diverse biogeographic zones in India that support a variety of diatom species.
- The findings indicate that Indiconema is closely related to Afrocymbella, a genus endemic to East Africa, further emphasizing the biogeographical connections between India and the African continent.
About Diatoms:
- Diatoms are microscopic algae that play a crucial role in our everyday lives by producing about 25 percent of the global oxygen supply.
- They form the base of the aquatic food chain and are valuable indicators of water quality due to their sensitivity to changes in water chemistry.
- India is home to a rich diversity of diatoms, with an estimated 6,500 taxa, 30 percent of which are endemic, highlighting the country's unique biodiversity.
- The nation's diverse biogeographic zones, ranging from freshwater to marine environments, sea level to high mountains, and alkaline lakes to acidic swamps, support a wide array of habitats and unique sets of diatoms.
- The evolution of monsoons has significantly influenced the structure of the rainforest biome across the Indian Peninsula, directly shaping the diatom flora.
- The complex interplay of environmental factors underscores the importance of preserving these delicate ecosystems to maintain the rich biodiversity supported by Diatoms.
