The origin and early evolution of the diatoms, fossil, molecular and biogeographical approaches. 2000. 160 p. gr8vo. Paper bd.

The common opinion that diatoms derive from the Lower Cretaceoushas been opposed by the assumption that they belong to the oldestorganisms of the world (N.I.Strelnikova). Molecular investigationsindicate the older provenance - Permian Triassic boundary, than Creataceous. A new classification system of centric diatoms isproposed (V.A.Nikolaev and D.M. Harwood. It includes a significantnumber of new taxa of highest rank described from Early and LateCretaceous. The oldest known lacustrin diatom flora has been presentedby N. G. Ognjanova-Rumenova from the Neogene of the Balcan Peninsula:Molecular biomarkerswere used in the study of the Carpathian Ologicone Menilite Formation.The dicovery of some 30 fossil diatoms older than the Cretaceous wasdiscussed, together will well documented Cambrian occurrences.