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Diversity and geographic distribution of desmids and other coccoid green algae

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Protist Diversity and Geographical Distribution

Part of the book series: Topics in Biodiversity and Conservation ((TOBC,volume 8))

Abstract

Taxonomic diversity of desmids and other coccoid green algae is discussed in relation to different species concepts. For want of unambiguous criteria about species delimitation, no reliable estimations of global species richness can be given. Application of the biological species concept is seriously hampered by lack of sexual reproduction in many species. Molecular analyses demonstrated cases of close affiliation between morphologically highly different taxa and, contrary, examples of little relationship between morphologically similar taxa. Despite the fact that desmids and chlorococcal algae, because of their microbial nature, can be readily distributed, cosmopolitan species are relatively scarce. The geographic distribution of some well-recognizable morphospecies is discussed in detail. Of some species a recent extension of their area could be established, e.g., in the desmids Micrasterias americana and Euastrum germanicum, and in the chlorococcaleans Desmodesmus perforatus and Pediastrum simplex.

Special Issue: Protist diversity and geographic distribution. Guest editor: W. Foissner.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94062, 1090 GB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Peter F. M. Coesel

  2. Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Alte Fischerhütte 2, 16775, Stechlin-Neuglobsow, Germany

    Lothar Krienitz

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  1. Peter F. M. Coesel
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  2. Lothar Krienitz
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Correspondence to Peter F. M. Coesel .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Inst. Zoologie, Universität Salzburg, Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria

    W. Foissner

  2. Dept. Biologia Vegetal II, Universidad Complutense, Fac. Farmacia, Plaza de Ramony Cajal, 28040, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, Spain

    David L. Hawksworth

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Coesel, P.F.M., Krienitz, L. (2007). Diversity and geographic distribution of desmids and other coccoid green algae. In: Foissner, W., Hawksworth, D.L. (eds) Protist Diversity and Geographical Distribution. Topics in Biodiversity and Conservation, vol 8. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2801-3_11

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