DISTRIBUTION OF HUMIDOPHILA CONTENTA DIATOM ALGAE IN KARST CAVE COMMUNITIES

Diatoms occur around the world and live in a variety of terrestrial habitats, including the entrance areas of the caves and as a part of the lamp flora communities Ecotonic photographic zones of the caves are considered refugiums, where relict communities and species have been preserved that adapted to exist in stable extreme conditions. Diatoms are often noted in these communities. Representatives of the phylum Bacillariophyta are used as indicator species and have the great biotechnological potential. The wide distribution of Humidophila contenta in karst cave communities of the Russian Federation and Abkhazia was revealed.