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Amphiroa orbignyana, coralline red algae
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Amphiroa orbignyana, coralline red algae
Amphiroa algae specimen collected by Charles Darwin, held in Sir William Hookers private collection of preserved plant and algal specimens, Herbarium Hookeranium
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Media ID 14238262
© Mary Evans / Natural History Museum
1867 Alga Algae Algal Darwin Eukaryote Eukaryotic Preserved Protist Protista Red Algae Rhodophyta Florideophyceae
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This image showcases a stunning specimen of Amphiroa orbignyana, a coralline red alga once carefully collected by the renowned naturalist, Charles Darwin. The alga, now preserved in Sir William Hooker's private collection housed at the Herbarium Hookerianum, was most likely gathered during one of Darwin's numerous voyages aboard the HMS Beagle between 1831 and 1836. Coralline red algae, belonging to the class Rhodophyta and the order Corallinales, are characterized by their intricate, calcified structures that resemble corals. Amphiroa orbignyana, specifically, is a member of the Amphiroidae family within the Corallinaceae. Darwin's meticulous collection of this algal specimen is a testament to his unwavering curiosity and dedication to documenting the natural world. The Victorian era, during which Darwin conducted his research, was a time of significant advancements in the fields of botany and zoology. This period saw the discovery and classification of numerous new species, including many marine organisms like Amphiroa orbignyana. As an eukaryote, Amphiroa orbignyana is a complex, multicellular organism. Its red coloration is due to the presence of pigments called phycobilins and astaxanthin. The alga's calcified structures provide protection from predators and help anchor it to rocky surfaces in the intertidal zone. This exquisite photograph offers a glimpse into the rich history of marine exploration and scientific discovery. The Amphiroa orbignyana specimen, collected by Darwin and preserved by Sir William Hooker, continues to inspire wonder and fascination, reminding us of the vast and intricate diversity of life that exists in our oceans.
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