Algae and Cyanobacteria in Extreme Environments is a unique collection of
essays, contributed by leading scientists from around the world, devoted to
algae - and some related microbes - observed in unexpected harsh habitats,
which it seems are an oasis or Garden of Eden for these organisms. This timely
book on Extremophilic algae, including its especially impressive micrographs,
may provide clues about the edges of life on Earth and possibly elsewhere in
the universe. Defining locations from the anthropomorphic point of view, the
environments explored ranges from severe and distant to normal places. The
algae discussed, microbial oxygenic phototrophs, are classified into various
categories according to their habitats. They thrive in various temperature
ranges, at the limits of pH values, in salt solutions, under UV radiation,
dryness, heavy metals, anaerobic niches, under various levels of illuminations,
and under hydrostatic pressure. Authors discuss bio-diversely algal territories
ecologically - the hot springs with the thermophiles or acido-thermophiles;
Antarctica, the Arctic, and permafrost zones with their cold lovers
(Psychrophiles); soda lakes with the alkaliphiles, saltine areas with
halophiles. In addition to general essays, Algal species discussed in detail
include diatoms, Cyanidium, Galdieria, Dunaliella, and Chroococcidiopsis. This
volume is a must for students of the field of biodiversity, as well as those in
phycology, ecology and general biological research.
