This introduction to one of the most common phytoplankton types provides broad coverage from molecular and cellular biology all the way to its impact on the global carbon cycle and climate. Individual chapters focus on coccolithophore biology, ecology, evolutionary phylogeny and impact on current and past global changes. The book addresses fundamental questions about the interaction between the biota and the environment at various temporal and spatial scales.

This comprehensive book looks at coccolithophores - one of the primary algal groups in the oceans.

Paleobiology is arguably the next frontier in micropaleontology, and no one group may have more impact on the global environment with a more enigmatic life history than the tiny coccolithophores, whose countless calcitic skeletons are a considerable percentage of oceanic biomass, with a major role in the Earth's carbon cycle. The isolated fragments or "coccoliths" that make up vast carbonate deposits are no longer to be considered as merely sedimentary particles but as the invaluable record of once living organisms that have an important story to tell in terms of evolutionary biology. It is in this perspective that Coccolithophores: Cenozoic Discoasterales-Biology, Taxonomy, Stratigraphy presents a century of research on a recently extinct group whose species consistently represented over half of the coccolithophore communities in low latitudes. Their distinctive morphologies and structures, described and abundantly illustrated in this volume, render them ideal for biological and phylogenetic reconstruction as well as tentative physiological interpretations. The application to biostratigraphy, biochronology and chronostratigraphy of the several hundred species in the order is also reviewed and complemented by an appendix (https://www.sepm.org/supplemental-materials) of four catalogues with genera and species organized according to comprehensive keys of determination. While the book is designed to inform biologists and earth scientists interested in plankton evolutionary history, the appendix will assist students and professionals alike in academia and industry with the taxonomy of the order and the dating of marine sedimentary successions in which they occur.

Evolution of Primary Producers in the Sea reference examines how photosynthesis evolved on Earth and how phytoplankton evolved through time – ultimately to permit the evolution of complex life, including human beings. The first of its kind, this book provides thorough coverage of key topics, with contributions by leading experts in biophysics, evolutionary biology, micropaleontology, marine ecology, and biogeochemistry.This exciting new book is of interest not only to students and researchers in marine science, but also to evolutionary biologists and ecologists interested in understanding the origins and diversification of life. Evolution of Primary Producers in the Sea offers these students and researchers an understanding of the molecular evolution, phylogeny, fossil record, and environmental processes that collectively permits us to comprehend the rise of phytoplankton and their impact on Earth's ecology and biogeochemistry. It is certain to become the first and best word on this exhilarating topic. - Discusses the evolution of phytoplankton in the world's oceans as the first living organisms and the first and basic producers in the earths food chain - Includes the latest developments in the evolution and ecology of marine phytoplankton specifically with additional information on marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles - The only book to consider of the evolution of phytoplankton and its role in molecular evolution, biogeochemistry, paleontology, and oceanographic aspects - Written at a level suitable for related reading use in courses on the Evolution of the Biosphere, Ecological and Biological oceanography and marine biology, and Biodiversity

Paleoceanographic proxies provide infonnation for reconstructions of the past, including climate changes, global and regional oceanography, and the cycles of biochemical components in the ocean. These prox ies are measurable descriptors for desired but unobservable environmental variables such as tempera ture, salinity, primary productivity, nutrient content, or surface-water carbon dioxide concentrations. The proxies are employed in a manner analogous to oceanographic methods. The water masses are first characterized according to their specific physical and chemical properties, and then related to particular assemblages of certain organisms or to particular element or isotope distributions. We have a long-standing series of proven proxies available. Marine microfossil assemblages, for instance, are employed to reconstruct surface-water temperatures. The calcareous shells of planktonic and benthic microorgan isms contain a wealth of paleoceanographic information in their isotopic and elemental compositions. Stable oxygen isotope measurements are used to detennine ice volume, and MglCa ratios are related to water temperatures, to cite a few examples. Organic material may also provide valuable infonnation, e. g. , about past productivity conditions. Studying the stable carbon isotope composition of bulk organic matter or individual marine organic components may provide a measure of past surface-water CO 2 conditions within the bounds of certain assumptions. Within the scope of paleoceanographic investigations, the existing proxies are continuously evolving and improving, while new proxies are being studied and developed. The methodology is improved by analysis of samples from the water column and surface sediments, and through laboratory experiments.