Adaptii

Adaptii is a species of small green algae in the family Chlamydomonadaceae. It was first described by J. L. Smith in 2022 from specimens collected in the cool upland streams of the Montane region of North America. The organism is unicellular, possessing two equal flagella and a single cup‑shaped chloroplast that contains pyrenoids. Only a few dozen individuals are typically found in a given sample because Adaptii grows as a sparse, irregular colony rather than forming dense mats common to many other members of its family.

In its native habitats, Adaptii prefers shaded, well‑oxygenated freshwater with moderate flow. It tolerates low nutrient concentrations and is known to survive in water with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.8. The species has been recorded in a few isolated localities in the western United States, with potential, but unconfirmed, sightings in neighbouring regions where similar environmental conditions exist. No commercial trade of the organism has been reported; it is mostly encountered by phycologists and ecological survey teams.

The specific epithet, adaptii, was chosen to honor the contributions of Dr. Elena Adapti, a pioneer in algal bioindicator studies. Although it remains a relatively obscure taxon, Adaptii has attracted attention for its potential use as a bioindicator for freshwater quality because of its sensitivity to changes in dissolved oxygen and nutrient levels. Further research is expected to illuminate its ecological role and possible applications in environmental monitoring.