Protistan Skeletons: A Geologic History of Evolution and Constraint

摘要: The tests and scales formed by protists may be the epitome of lightweight bioconstructions in nature. Skeletal biomineralization is widespread among eukaryotes, but both predominant mineralogy stratigraphic history differ between macroscopic microscopic organisms. Among animals algae, calcium minerals, especially carbonates, predominate skeleton formation, with most innovations skeletal concentrated around Cambrian Period. In contrast, amorphous silica widely used protistan skeletons, a majority geologically recorded origins took place Mesozoic early Cenozoic eras. Amorphous favored protist because material properties itself organic molecules that template its precipitation. predominace carbonates phosphates skeletons may, turn, reflect low quantities dissolved fresh marine waters. evolutionary success diatoms has depleted levels surficial waters since Cretaceous Period, fossils show other biological participants cycle have responded through altered habitat preferences reduced use test construction. These natural instances doing more less might serve to inspire continuing biomimetic design.