The importance of biosilicification in non-obligatory silicifying phytoplankton since the Neoproterozoic

It is widely recognized that the expansion of silica biomineralization in the oceans has affected evolutionary competition for dissolved Si (DSi). This resulted in changes in the global biogeochemical cycles of silica, carbon and other nutrients that regulate ocean productivity and ultimately climate. Today, low DSi reflects its efficient uptake by diatoms. However, little is known about biological uptake of DSi by different phytoplankton other than diatoms. It has been suggested that Prasinophytes for example could have played a more important role than previously thought. The goal of the project is to investigate the importance of biosilicification in non-obligatory silicifying phytoplankton since the Neoproterozoic.