Ickle single cellular algae, diatoms silica-case may be shaped in any one of many interesting shaped and ornamented styles. Each species has it's own particular design and can be identified as such. They filter organic debris from   water, and can be wonderful indicators of environmental disturbance. Core samples from ancient lake beds may be full of ancient diatoms, and may give scientists an idea of what the lake was all about way back then. It is the main ingredient of "diatomaceous earth", which is used to filter water for drinking supply, pools and aquariums everywhere. CB

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