Fossil Forms, Reproduction, Evolution

Abstract

In this section it is merely proposed to give an outline of the different fossil forms that have been ascribed to the various groups, but it is not intended to provide a detailed description in every case so long as the types of structure represented among these fossil algae have been adequately portrayed. It must be realized that many of the early forms that have been ascribed to the algae are relatively unknown because of the poor preservation, and further examination of new specimens may mean that they will no longer have to be classed as algae. For this reason it must be emphasized that there are a number of doubtful forms from the lowest strata that can only tentatively be assigned to the algae.