Consider the development of a fossil record for a watershed. A current inventory of all species already has been taken. Which microorganisms might you first consider looking for with the objective of developing a microbial fossil record? Why?

Also, what might depth profiling accomplish?
What will be an ideal response?


Answer: Answers will vary, but diatoms are excellent for developing a fossil record of a watershed. Their glasslike cell structure (composed of silica) should remain intact for a long time, and dead diatoms will accumulate in the sediments over time. Assuming that no major changes to the sediment have occurred over time, looking at diatom diversity at different depths could show how the diatom community has changed over time.

Biology & Microbiology

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