Abstract
:The unique dodecahedral form of Braarudosphaera bigelowii permits precise calculations of cell volume, mass and calcite content from only two measurements of a single nannolith. These nannoliths (also called pentaliths) are shown to be composed of five truncated golden triangles. While vascular plants commonly display morphologies related to the golden ratio and the associated Fibonacci series, this has not been reported in non-vascular plants. This makes B. bigelowii the smallest known plant species to utilise the fractal benefits of this ratio. With typical measurements for nannolith size, the sinking rate of B. bigelowii was calculated as a function of temperature with rates between 3.4 and 8.5 m d−1 at 15°C. These high rates may explain the preference of this species for cooler, well mixed coastal waters.
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