it remains a separate genus. Habitat and distribution As with other desmids, Micrasterias grows in freshwater habitats. It prefers oligotrophic to mesotrophic lakes and bogs, often associated with aquatic plants. Freshwater microalgae, along with other microscopic organisms, are often presumed to be cosmopolitan in distribution (see the Baas Becking hypothesis). However, desmids are an exception to this, likely because of their high morphological complexity allowing for easier identification, and the fact that they mostly do not form resting spores that would allow for wider dispersal. In particular, a number of Micrasterias species are restricted to certain biogeographical realms or continents. For example, Micrasterias muricata appears to be endemic to North America, while Micrasterias ceratofera is restricted to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. References External links Micrasterias Pictures Page Desmidiaceae Charophyta genera Taxa named by Carl Adolph Agardh