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Snow algae of the Windmill Islands, continental Antarctica. Mesotaenium berggrenii (Zygnematales, Chlorophyta) the alga of grey snow

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 May 2004

H.U. Ling
Affiliation:
Antarctic Division, Channel Highway, Kingston 7050, Tasmania, Australia
R.D. Seppelt
Affiliation:
Antarctic Division, Channel Highway, Kingston 7050, Tasmania, Australia

Abstract

A saccoderm desmid Mesotaenium berggrenii forma (Mesotaeniaceae) occurring as a major component of the snow algal flora is reported from the Windmill Islands region of Continental Antarctica. Stages of the life cycle of the species are illustrated. The local distribution of the species is outlined, habitat conditions described, taxonomy, reproduction and survival strategies discussed. Morphological and nuclear size classes indicate the possibility of polyploidy in the species.

Type
Papers—Life Sciences and Oceanography
Copyright
© Antarctic Science Ltd 1990

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