Biogenic silica

Biogenic silica is a special type of material that can be found in plants, animals, and even in rocks! It is made up of tiny particles that are really small and can only be seen with a special type of microscope called an electron microscope.

When plants or animals die, their bodies start to break down and the biogenic silica begins to separate from the rest of the body. Over a long time, these tiny particles can accumulate in soil, water, or rocks.

Scientists study biogenic silica to learn about things like what type of plants or animals used to live in an area, how the environment has changed over time, and even how to protect certain species from harm. It is a very useful tool for understanding the world around us!