Chrysophytes and related organisms: new insights into diversity and evolution

The present volume includes 13 scientific papers based on the studies presented at the 8th International Chrysophyte Symposium 2012 in Prague. Chrysophyte research has traditionally concentrated on the silica-scale bearing groups, such as Synurales or Paraphysomonadaceae. Consequently, most of the papers here deal with aspects of the biology of silica-scaled chrysophytes. The contributions include papers on palaeobiology, such as the study dealing with Cenozoic Synura taxa from Northern Canada, and taxonomy, such as the studies describing new Mallomonas taxa or reviewing taxonomic status of the family Paraphysomonadaceae. Several studies employed the techniques of geometric morphometrics that have now become the method of choice for the quantitative analysis of the scale variation. The volume also includes several studies on the distribution of silica-scaled chrysophytes in previously unstudied regions of Asia and Europe. One study presenting rich stomatocysts assemblages of the Stone Ponds in North-Eastern China is also presented. Finally, the volume also contains a paper presenting the barcoding potential of various DNA regions of the freshwater diatom genus Frustulia based on molecular screening. The volume is dedicated to the memory of Hans Ruedi Preisig, a prominent chrysophyte researcher, who deceased in November, 2011 and presents an overview of his work. This volume gives insights into palaeoecology, ecology, biogeography, physiology and molecular biology of chrysophytes and related algae. It not only presents the results but also provides powerful examination tools.