Question

Diatoms are also called as 'pearls of ocean', why? What is diatomaceous earth?

Answer 1

Diatoms and desmids are inducted under chrysophytes, kingdom-Protista. These are the main producers in the ocean. They prepare food not only for themselves but also for the other life forms in the ocean. This is the reason they are also called 'pearls of the ocean'. The body of diatoms is covered by siliceous shell known as frustule.

'Diatomaceous earth' is the accumulation of large deposits of diatoms that form a siliceous covering extending for several 100 m formed in billions of years. The material obtained form these deposits is used in polishing and filtration of oils and syrups.