THE DIATOMS

by Gerald Prescott ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 14, 1977

Prescott, an algae specialist, introduces the one-celled, golden-brown group called diatoms in concise and businesslike prose that nevertheless conveys his fascination with these intricately ornamented ""jewels of the sea."" Underlining their importance as sources of food, oil, vitamin D, and oxygen (more oxygen is derived from sea plants than from all of those on land--a sobering thought in light of the continuing pollution of the seas), Prescott discusses favorable environmental conditions and describes the diatoms' structure and methods of reproduction. (Whether by cell division or conjugation, the result is always exact duplication of the parents' particular shapes and intricate patterns.) Photos, diagrams, and photomicrographs (a few in color) form an integral part of the well-prepared lesson.

Pub Date: Feb. 14, 1977

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Coward, McCann & Geoghegan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1977

Categories: FICTION