Brevilinea pocosinensis Siver, Hamilton & Morales gen. et sp. nov., a new diatom (Bacillariophyceae) genus from North Carolina, USA |
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Authors: | Peter A. Siver Paul B. Hamilton Eduardo A. Morales |
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Affiliation: | Department of Botany, Connecticut College, New London, Connecticut 06320,;Patrick Center for Environmental Research, The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, USA;;Research Division, Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6P4, Canada;and;Herbario Criptogámico, Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo, Av. Gral. Galindo No. 5381, Cochabamba, Bolivia |
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Abstract: | A new diatom genus, Brevilinea gen. nov., is described from an acidic freshwater lake situated on the Atlantic Coastal Plain of North Carolina, USA. The type for the genus, Brevilinea pocosinensis sp. nov., differs from other diatoms by the presence of a unique and reduced raphe that is restricted to the central portion of the valve. The new taxon has large and distinctive areolae that also serve to separate it from existing genera. The taxonomic placement of the new organism relative to other diatoms possessing a reduced raphe is discussed. Although Brevilinea may eventually be placed into a new family, given the current dynamic state of diatom systematics, it is premature to do so at this time. |
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Keywords: | Brevilinea Carolina bays diatoms new genus new species North Carolina taxonomy |
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