A Taxonomic Study of Mallomonas

Abstract

SUMMARY: Species of Mallomonas known with the electron microscope are arranged in a new scheme of classification, extending that previously proposed. A number of new species are described and some known ones examined for the first time with the electron microscope. The development and internal structure of the scales of certain species is described. The proposed scheme of classification was developed as a result of the high resolving power of the electron microscope which enabled us to interpret features which can be faintly seen with the optical microscope. The scheme can, we believe, be used where the optical microscope alone is available. The feature which we have selected as the basis of classification differ from those selected by workers with the optical microscope only.