Chrysophycean algae are a diverse and often abundant group of primarily
freshwater phytoplankton, characterized by the endogenous formation of
siliceous cysts or stomatocysts (also called statospores or statocysts).
Cyst morphology is highly variable, but believed to be
species-specific.
Recently, cysts have received considerable attention from phycologists
and especially paleoecologists who wish to use these indicators for
assessments of environmental change. Nonetheless, attempts at using
cysts have often been hampered by taxonomic problems.
This Atlas dispels some of the mystery surrounding stomatocysts,
facilitating the accurate identification of individual cyst morphotypes,
and encouraging other workers to begin using these important indicators.
The terminology used to describe cysts is outlined in detail, followed
by detailed descriptions of cyst morphotypes, following International
Statospore Working Group (ISWG) guidelines, complemented by scanning
electron and light micrographs, as well as line illustrations. Any
available biogeographical and ecological information is also provided.
These descriptions will further accelerate the continued effort to link
cyst morphotypes to the algae that produce them.
For paleoecologists who wish to include stomatocysts in their studies,
researchers working with living chrysophycean algae, and those
interested in the morphology and ultrastructure of cyst morphotypes.
