Abstract
Modern microbial mats and stromatolites exhibiting a preferred orientation toward specular sunlight were found at two sites. In Hamelin Pool of Shark Bay, Western Australia, subtidal decimeter-sized columns and intertidal centimeter-sized tufts were found pointing north. In thermal spring effluents and pools of Yellowstone National Park, mats were found with columnar and conical centimeter-sized structures inclined to the south. These examples of heliotropism in modern stromatolites are each built by a different community of photosynthetic microbes under markedly different environmental conditions. These new observations support the proposal that stromatolites can orient themselves toward the sun.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
