What is diatomaceous earth? Why are diatoms referred to as ‘pearls of the ocean’?
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Answer:
Diatomaceous earth, diatomite or kieselgur/kieselguhr is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder.
Diatoms and desmids are inducted under chrysophytes, kingdom-Protista. These are the main producers in the ocean. They prepare food not only for themselves but also for the other life forms in the ocean. This is the reason they are also called as 'pearls of ocean'.
Diatomaceous earth is a unique type of sand which is obtained from the fossilized algae of sea creatures known as diatoms which have silicon in their body. Recently, this sand has risen up as a dietary and health supplementary product in the market.
Diatoms are the main producers in the marine environment, so they are known as pearls of the ocean. Their shell is made up of silica, which they leave in their aquatic habitat resulting in the formation of the sand" diatomaceous earth".