Cyanobacteria and Microalgae from Tropical Terrains

Cyanobacteria and Microalgae from Tropical Terrains is a comprehensive reference work documenting the diversity, systematics, ecology, and phylogeny of cyanobacteria and microalgae from tropical ecosystems, with special emphasis on eastern India. Based on more than 25 years of extensive, seasonwise field investigations across the diverse eco-regions of West Bengal, this volume presents one of the most detailed regional accounts of tropical algal flora available. 

 

Cyanobacteria and microalgae are among the earliest life forms on Earth and play a foundational role in global ecosystems as primary producers, oxygen generators, and key drivers of aquatic and terrestrial food webs. Their diversity and productivity directly influence ecosystem structure and function, particularly in freshwater, estuarine, marine, and extreme environments. Despite their ecological importance, accurate identification of these microscopic organisms remains challenging due to their simple morphology and overlapping characters. This book addresses this gap by integrating classical taxonomy with modern molecular approaches. 

 

The book covers cyanobacteria, green filamentous algae, diatoms, and phytoplankton from a wide range of habitats, including hilly regions, riverine plains, Terai landscapes, the Rarh region, the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem, and marine coastal zones. It provides detailed taxonomic descriptions, systematic positions, identification keys, and high-quality photomicrographs for hundreds of taxa, making it an indispensable tool for accurate identification and biodiversity assessment .

 

In addition to classical taxonomic treatments, the volume integrates modern molecular approaches, including phylogenetic analysis of dominant cyanobacterial taxa using 165 rRNA gene sequences and molecular characterization of selected green algal genera. This combination of traditional and contemporary methodologies enhances taxonomic clarity and reflects current advances in algal research.

 

Designed as both a reference and a research resource, this book will be of immense value to students, researchers, academicians and professionals in botany, phycology, limnology, microbiology, environmental science and aquatic ecology. It also serves as a representative model for understanding algal diversity in tropical regions worldwide.