The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter B

Silicoflagellate Fossil

Habitat:

 

Silicoflagellates are unicellular, marine organisms.

 

Importance:

 

Marine algae harvest energy from sunlight in a process called photosynthesis.  The algae release oxygen in the process of photosynthesis.  Many living organisms require oxygen to survive.  In addition, algae are the basis of the food chain in the ocean.

 

Classification: 

 

Silicoflagellates are a group of mostly extinct, unicellular, marine algae.  In one stage of their life cycle they produce whip-like structures called flagella that they use to propel themselves through the water.  In another stage, they produce a basket-like skeleton made of silica.  These leftover silica skeletons form microfossils found in marine sediments.