Living BeingsCompare species
Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Phaeodactylum tricornutum
African Golden Cat
Caracal auratus
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | Phaeodactylum tricornutum | African Golden Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | This diatom can occur as oval, spindle-shaped or three-armed cells. A comparison of the Pt3 strain showed shared features of the plastid, nucleus and cytoskeleton across those forms, alongside differences in protein secretion. The oval form released proteins faster in that experiment, showing that changes in outline can accompany functional differences. | The body is robust and the coat varies between reddish and grayish forms. Spotting can be more visible on some parts of the body. |
| Habitat and range | Marine and coastal-associated culture conditions support this model diatom. Strain and environmental conditions affect the observed growth form. | Dense African forest and secondary growth provide cover and hunting habitat. |
| Diet and nutrition | Photosynthesis fixes inorganic carbon, with dissolved nutrients supplying the other materials needed for growth. | Rodents and other forest mammals are important prey. Birds and additional small animals may also be taken. |
| Behavior and activity | Cells respond to changing resources and conditions through physiological and morphological variation. | It is generally solitary and difficult to observe in dense cover. Sparse observations should not be treated as a complete account of its daily behavior. |
| Reproduction and life cycle | Vegetative cell division expands cultures. This account does not infer a sexual schedule merely from that of other diatoms. | Data unavailable |
| Geographic distribution | Authenticated isolates have individual collection records; their laboratory distribution should not be used as a global occurrence map. | The Mammal Diversity Database v2.5 records this species in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Benin?, Burundi?, Gambia?, Guinea-Bissau?, Kenya?, Rwanda?, Senegal?, Sudan?, Togo?. |
| Ecological role | Diatoms participate in aquatic primary production and nutrient cycling, with species differing in physiology and structure. | Data unavailable |
| Distinctive adaptations | A genome shaped by gene-family changes and ancient gene transfers provides a varied metabolic repertoire. | Data unavailable |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: Eukaryota.