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Radiolaria
With their glassy geometric skeletons, radiolarians are among some of the most beautiful of all phytoplankon. Their skeletons often have arm-like extensions resembling spikes, which increase their surface area and therefore their buoyancy. They exist in a wide variety of shapes including spherical, cone-like and pyramid forms. Different species of radiolarians also exhibit a wide variety of behaviours. They may reproduce sexually or asexually; be filter feeders or predators; or even live in close association with single celled algae.
Photo: Peter Parks © 2001 by Image Quest 3-D
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Copyright © Australian Museum 2002
