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 Cretaceous has been opposed by the assumption that they belong to the oldest organisms of the world (N.I.Strelnikova). Molecular investigations indicate the older provenance - Permian Triassic boundary, than Creataceous. A new classification system of centric diatoms is proposed (V.A.Nikolaev and D.M. Harwood. It includes a significant number of new taxa of highest rank described from Early and Late Cretaceous. The oldest known lacustrin diatom flora has been presented by N. G. Ognjanova-Rumenova from the Neogene of the Balcan Peninsula:Molecular biomarkers were used in the study of the Carpathian Ologicone Menilite Formation.The dicovery of some 30 fossil diatoms older than the Cretaceous was discussed, together wilth well documented Cambrian occurrences.