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The blue-green algae
Aquatic Botany, 2 ( 1 9 7 6 ) 2 7 1 - - 2 7 4
271
© Elsevier Scientific P u b l i s h i n g C o m p a n y , A m s t e r d a m -- P r i n t e d in T h e N e t h e r l a n d s
B o o k Reviews
BLUE-GREEN ALGAE
The Blue-green Algae. G.E. Fogg, W.D.P. Stewart, P. Fay and A.E. Walsby. Academic Press, London and New York, N.Y., 1973, 4 5 9 pp., including numerous figures, some in colour, £8.50. Recent years have seen a great increase in interest in the blue-green algae. This b o o k brings together both recent and older information in an excellent manner: it is well set out, easy to read, well illustrated, and is well indexed and with a large and comprehensive bibliography. In their preface, the authors point out that recent interest in the blue-green algae has developed with the realisation that these algae are of u n d o u b t e d antiquity, possibly showing evolutionary links to the higher plants, b u t also show strong relationships to the bacteria. Economic and nuisance aspects are also important. The authors consider that n o w is the time to " a t t e m p t the assembly of a unified picture of blue-green algae as living organisms". This they have certainly succeeded in doing. The b o o k covers first the general features and then detailed ultrastructure of the blue-green algae, then nutritional, growth and physiological aspects, including heterotrophy and nitrogen metabolism. Later chapters concern the ecology of fresh water, terrestrial and marine species, pathogens of blue-green algae, the ecology of nitrogen fixation, and symbiosis. The concluding chapter, on "Evolution and phylogeny" brings together and summarises much of the earlier part (with very useful back references). The ancient fossil record of blue-green algae is discussed and brief comments made on the phylogenetic position of these algae and the possible symbiotic origin of chloroplasts of eukaryotic plants. The authors conclude: " I t seems possible that the blue-green algae are something more than a lowly branch of the evolutionary tree and represent a pervading and vital c o m p o n e n t which has made possible the highest forms of plant life." This excellent and well presented b o o k should be readily available to all phycologists and others in any way concerned with the blue-green algae. Senior students of the algae should make it their prime reference source for information, and a balanced view, on these organisms. The b o o k is generally free from printing or other errors, b u t a few have been noted in a separate review by Lewin (Phycologia, 13: 182). H.B.S. W O M E R S L E Y
(Adelaide, S.A., Australia)
271
© Elsevier Scientific P u b l i s h i n g C o m p a n y , A m s t e r d a m -- P r i n t e d in T h e N e t h e r l a n d s
B o o k Reviews
BLUE-GREEN ALGAE
The Blue-green Algae. G.E. Fogg, W.D.P. Stewart, P. Fay and A.E. Walsby. Academic Press, London and New York, N.Y., 1973, 4 5 9 pp., including numerous figures, some in colour, £8.50. Recent years have seen a great increase in interest in the blue-green algae. This b o o k brings together both recent and older information in an excellent manner: it is well set out, easy to read, well illustrated, and is well indexed and with a large and comprehensive bibliography. In their preface, the authors point out that recent interest in the blue-green algae has developed with the realisation that these algae are of u n d o u b t e d antiquity, possibly showing evolutionary links to the higher plants, b u t also show strong relationships to the bacteria. Economic and nuisance aspects are also important. The authors consider that n o w is the time to " a t t e m p t the assembly of a unified picture of blue-green algae as living organisms". This they have certainly succeeded in doing. The b o o k covers first the general features and then detailed ultrastructure of the blue-green algae, then nutritional, growth and physiological aspects, including heterotrophy and nitrogen metabolism. Later chapters concern the ecology of fresh water, terrestrial and marine species, pathogens of blue-green algae, the ecology of nitrogen fixation, and symbiosis. The concluding chapter, on "Evolution and phylogeny" brings together and summarises much of the earlier part (with very useful back references). The ancient fossil record of blue-green algae is discussed and brief comments made on the phylogenetic position of these algae and the possible symbiotic origin of chloroplasts of eukaryotic plants. The authors conclude: " I t seems possible that the blue-green algae are something more than a lowly branch of the evolutionary tree and represent a pervading and vital c o m p o n e n t which has made possible the highest forms of plant life." This excellent and well presented b o o k should be readily available to all phycologists and others in any way concerned with the blue-green algae. Senior students of the algae should make it their prime reference source for information, and a balanced view, on these organisms. The b o o k is generally free from printing or other errors, b u t a few have been noted in a separate review by Lewin (Phycologia, 13: 182). H.B.S. W O M E R S L E Y
(Adelaide, S.A., Australia)