WASHINGTON DC, United States — The Sant Ocean Hall features dramatically enlarged models of microscopic marine organisms, including a radiolarian (Didimocyrtis tetrathalamus) magnified 3400 times from its actual size of mm, and a dinoflagellate (Ceratocorys horrida) magnified 1000 times from its natural size of mm. These models, based on scanning electron microscopy, reveal the intricate structures of oceanic microorganisms.
Photograph by David Coleman. The microscopic marine life display in the Sant Ocean Hall showcases two remarkable models that bring the invisible world of marine microorganisms into visible scale. The radiolarian model (Didimocyrtis tetrathalamus) demonstrates the complex geometric architecture of these single-celled organisms, magnified 3400 times from its actual size of millimeters. The intricate skeletal structure, characteristic of the Phylum Actinopoda, reveals the sophisticated organization of these microscopic creatures. Alongside it, the dinoflagellate model (Ceratocorys horrida) represents a 1000-times enlargement of the organism, highlighting the distinctive spined structure of this planktonic species. Based on scanning electron microscopy from the University of California, Davis, these models provide visitors with an unprecedented view of the complexity and diversity of microscopic marine life, demonstrating their significance in ocean ecosystems and their remarkable evolutionary adaptations.
Size: 8256px × 5504px
Location: National Mall, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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