CAER Seminars

Freshwater Algal Ecology: A Primer, or Why Fish Smell Like Diatoms

Speaker:
Dr. Jennifer Greenwood
University of Tennessee at Martin
Martin, TN

Date:
Friday, March 12, 2010 at 10:00am
Ben Bandy Conference Center
UK Center for Applied Energy Research

Abstract:
Freshwater algae comprise a group of evolutionarily unrelated but ecologically allied organisms. Although unique in structure each algal lineage plays a role as a primary producer: fixing atmospheric carbon (and sometimes nitrogen) to biologically available forms in order to fuel aquatic food webs. Each algal species flourishes under particular conditions of light levels, water chemistry, nutrient availability and neighboring organisms. Understanding these environmental requirements of algal species can likewise reveal environmental conditions of aquatic ecosystems via bioassessment of algal communities.