loomisena

Loomisena is a fictional genus of diatoms created for illustrative purposes in this article. Diatoms are photosynthetic microalgae with silica-based frustules, and Loomisena is described here as having boat-shaped valves and a patterned exterior.

The genus is said to be named after the fictional marine biologist Dr. Evelyn Loomis, who, in the narrative, led expeditions to the Loomis Archipelago and documented the defining traits of the group. The first described species, Loomisena marina, was reported from coastal brackish waters.

In the described taxonomy, Loomisena is placed within the domain Eukaryota, phylum Ochrophyta, class Bacillariophyta, order Naviculales, family Naviculaceae. The designation is presented as part of a teaching example rather than a real, scientific classification.

Morphology is described as slender, elongated frustules with longitudinal striae and a central raphe, allowing gliding movement. Size typically ranges from 25 to 55 micrometers in length, with valve faces showing a repeating lattice pattern.

Habitat spans freshwater streams to coastal lagoons, often in nutrient-rich, moderately saline waters. Loomisena species are part of the microphytobenthos and plankton, contributing to primary production and silica cycling. They are depicted as responding to light and nutrient pulses similar to other diatoms.

Representative species include Loomisena marina (coastal), Loomisena littoralis (intertidal), and Loomisena profunda (deep-water).

As a teaching tool, Loomisena illustrates how new taxa are described, named, and placed in a broader ecological context, while remaining clearly fictional.