ALGAL DIVERSITY : PHYLOGENY, EVOLUTION AND APPLICATIONS

CONTENT

INTRODUCTION, CLASSIFICATION, CELLULAR ORGANIZATION IN ALGAE, CYANOPHYCEAE, COMMON GENERA OF CYANOPHYCEAE (= MYXOPHYCEAE ), PROCHLORON, CHLOROPHYCEAE, VOLVOCALES, CHLOROCOCCALES, ULOTRICHALES, CLADOPHORALES, CHAETOPHORALES, OEDOGONIALES,  CONJUGALES.

About the book

This book is a comprehensive account of algae with special emphasis on blue-green (Cyanophyceae),
green (Chlorophyceae), brown (Phaeophyceae) and red algae (Rhodophyceae). The text is divided
into 23 units. The introductory unit deals with characteristic features of algae, their distinction from
other green thallophytes, habitats and distributions. This is followed with the concept of diversity
and its probable genesis, approaches to classification and the systems propounded by different
phycologists from time to time. Important characters selected as the basis of classification are
dealt with in detail with ultrastructural views. Algal diversities in morphology, anatomy, habitats
and life cycles are described in detail illustrating Indian forms (Units 5, 8-18).
Cellular organization of algae, their interrelationships and evolutions are discussed. The
newly discovered genus Prochloron finds a place in the unit (Unit – 6). Mysterious origin of sex
in algae and their evolution in diverse genera, evolution within the order Volvocales, modern
trends in classification of green algae in the light of recent researches, an updated account of
phylogenetic importance of Chaetophorales in the origin of land plants, evidences from cytology,
biochemistry and molecular biology in support of algal origin, phylogeny and interrelationship in
charophytes on cytological basis, evolutionary sequence of desmids etc; are some of chapters to
promote interest in students and equip them with the concept of evolutionary dynamics (Units
7, 8, 12, 16).
Beneficial uses of micro and macro algae and their applications in biotechnology for human
welfare are discussed. Those algae which are harmful to living biota of the biosphere including
man are also listed (Unit 22) and described.
The following feature of the book make it unique and different from books available in the
market.
1. Unambiguous and lucid presentation of the text comparable with simplicity and coherence
in class room teachings.
2. Inclusion of popular topics including uses and biotechnological application of algae in
human welfare and their negative role played in biosphere.
3. Readymade keys to genera as useful additions for students interested in collection of
specimens from nature and their identification.
4. This book is different from rest of books in market in the sense that it includes taxonomic
status, interrelationships, phylogeny and evolution of some significant groups of green
algae.