An Algealogical Study In The Vicinity Of Prairie View University

Author

Jesse Wayne Johnson, Prairie View University

Date of Award

8-1946

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Degree Discipline

Biology

Abstract

AT "1 evidence in fossil remains indicates the presence of algae since the beginning of time. The conception of a group of plants known as algae has been and still is changing. The first delimitation of the algae as we know the term is that of A. L. de Jussieu, 1797, but his characterization of the group is practically worthless according to Smith15 because it is based entirely upon macroscopic features. Later C. A. Agardh, 1824, one of the pioneers in the study of algae, made important contributions, and Endlicher, 1836, included the algae, lichens, and fungi in a kingdom called the THALLOPHYTA. Endlicher separated Thailophyta from other plants because of their lack of stem and leaf differentiation. This recognition of a morphological distinction is still used today. Such a distinction is difficult because certain Thailophyta have stem and leaf differentiation, as trie Larcl nariales15. A clear-cut distinction can be drawn between Thailophyta and other plants on the basis of the structure of the gamete and the spore-containing organs. In Thailophyta the sex organs are one-celled; or when multicellular do not have the gametes surrounded by a layer of sterile cells. Too, the zygotes of the Thallopbytes never develop into multicellular embryos.15.

Up to the present date, not too much work has been done on the study of algae in the United States. The field is far from having been completely exploited. Notable works have been done in the field at Woods Hole, Massachusetts by Dr. Hannah T, Croasdale, 1935, and Lois Lillick, 1957, also at Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Several local studies have been made in the area of the Southern states, among them "The Fresh-Water Algae of Southern United States I, Desmids from Mississippi, with Descriptions of New Species and Varieties," by Gerald W. Prescott and Arthur M. Scott.^ "The Fresh- Water algae of the United States II. The Algae of Louisiana, With Descriptions of Some New Forms and Notes on Distribution," by Gerald W. Prescott.14 "Limnological Observations on an East Texas C Lake," E. P. Cheatum and others. The only work in this field in the vicinity of Prairie View University was by a student, Jessie S. Duplantier in 1958. She found thirteen species, the majority of which were located in tanks, fish ponds and a stream located behind the football field.

Committee Chair/Advisor

Thomas P. Dooley

Committee Member

E. E. OBanion

Committee Member

E. E. OBanion

Committee Member

C. H. Nicholas

Publisher

Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical College

Rights

© 2021 Prairie View A & M University

Date of Digitization

2/16/2022

Contributing Institution

John B Coleman Library

City of Publication

Prairie View

MIME Type

Application/PDF

Recommended Citation

Johnson, J. W. (1946). An Algealogical Study In The Vicinity Of Prairie View University. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-theses/1156