Diatomiyhteisöt

Diatomiyhteisöt refers to the assemblages of diatoms found within a particular environment. Diatoms are a major group of algae, specifically single-celled eukaryotes, known for their intricate silica cell walls called frustules. These communities are incredibly diverse and play vital roles in aquatic ecosystems.

The composition of a diatom community is highly sensitive to environmental conditions such as water chemistry, temperature, light availability, and substrate type. This sensitivity makes diatoms valuable bioindicators for assessing water quality and ecological health. For instance, changes in the relative abundance of different diatom species can signal pollution, eutrophication, or altered hydrological regimes.

Diatom communities are found in virtually all aquatic environments, including oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, and even ephemeral puddles. They also inhabit moist terrestrial environments. Within these habitats, diatoms can be planktonic (floating in the water column) or benthic (attached to surfaces like rocks, sediment, or vegetation).

The study of diatom communities, known as diatomology, involves identifying species based on their unique frustule morphology and analyzing their distribution patterns. This information is crucial for ecological monitoring, paleolimnological studies (reconstructing past environmental conditions), and even forensic investigations. Understanding the structure and dynamics of diatomiyhteisöt provides essential insights into the functioning of aquatic ecosystems.