The haptophytes, also called Prymnesiophyta, include about 500 living species in 50 genera, with many more fossil genera and species, most notably the coccolithophorids. They are primarily unicellular and photosynthetic, generally marine and mostly tropical, and they are often an important food source for aquatic communities. They are often golden brown because of the accessory pigments diadinoxanthin and fucoxanthin. The group is named for the haptonema, a peg-like structure that extends from the cell near the attachment of the two flagella and was first mistaken for a third flagellum. Some species produce algal blooms whose mucilage can clog fish gills.
Browse By
Haptophytes and Coccolithophores
Filter Results4 entries
Sources
UC Museum of Paleontology: Introduction to the Prymnesiophyta
UC Museum of PaleontologyIntroduction to the PrymnesiophytaQuote, Introduction to the Prymnesiophyta
Also known as Haptophyta, the Prymnesiophyta includes about 500 living species in 50 genera
Wikipedia: Phaeocystis
Has Member: Phaeocystis, LeadQuote, Has Member: Phaeocystis, Lead
Phaeocystis is a genus of algae belonging to the Prymnesiophyte class and to the larger division of Haptophyta.
Coccolithophore (Wikipedia)
Has Member: Coccolithophore, LeadQuote, Has Member: Coccolithophore, Lead
Coccolithophores, or coccolithophorids, are single-celled organisms which are part of the phytoplankton, the autotrophic (self-feeding) component of the plankton community.
Wikipedia: Gephyrocapsa huxleyi
WikipediaHas Member: Emiliania Huxleyi, LeadQuote, Has Member: Emiliania Huxleyi, Lead
Gephyrocapsa huxleyi, also called Emiliania huxleyi, is the most abundant species of coccolithophore in modern oceans found in almost all ecosystems from the equator to sub-polar regions, and from nutrient rich upwelling zones to nutrient poor oligotrophic waters.
Wikipedia: Prymnesium parvum
WikipediaHas Member: Prymnesium Parvum, LeadQuote, Has Member: Prymnesium Parvum, Lead
Prymnesium parvum is a species of haptophyte (also collectively called Prymnesiophyta).
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.