Diatoms AIDGAP
Diatoms AIDGAP is an identification guide to diatom genera of benthic habitats in rivers in Britain and Ireland.
- Illustrated with line drawings throughout
- Identification keys to all diatom genera plus commoner species
- Includes notes on sampling and specimen preparation
Diatoms are a group of unicellular algae that have fascinated naturalists since the invention of the microscope. Uniquely they come packaged in a silica case (called a frustrule), giving them the appearance of fine crystal glass. But as well as their aesthetic appeal, diatoms have great significance as bio-indicators.
Diatom identification is challenging, but with practice it becomes easier to recognise the main characters. This AIDGAP guide features well-illustrated keys to the genera found in benthic habitats in rivers. Also included are guides to the identification of the most common species within the larger genera. Notes on sampling and laboratory preparation are provided, along with comments on the ecology and environmental preferences for many of the taxa described.
This guide is part of Field Studies Council’s AIDGAP series (Aids to Identification in Difficult Groups of Animals and Plants). The aim of AIDGAP series is to produce accessible keys suitable for non-specialists from age 16+. Although written by specialists, all AIDGAP guides go through field tests in draft form. As with all guides in the series, the Diatoms AIDGAP underwent extensive testing before publication, by beginners and specialists alike. The author has revised this, the first published version, in the light of the testers’ experience.
