The Importance of Scale in Understanding the Natural History of Diatom Communities

Abstract

Diatom communities can be composed of hundreds of different species with unique needs and abilities. Although there is a considerable size range amongst species, diatoms are relatively small when considering the size of sympatric aquatic organisms and especially considering the size of humans that study diatom ecology. To get a clearer understanding of environmental factors important in structuring diatom communities, it is important to measure variables at appropriate spatial and temporal scales. An examination of the ecology of diatom communities from various microhabitats (epipsammon, epipelon, epiphyton, epilithon, and subaerial) can be enhanced by appreciating their microbial nature and by the application of appropriate tools and approaches.