Parke, Mary (1908–1989)

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Parke, Mary (1908–1989)

English marine biologist. Born Mary Winifred Parke, Mar 23, 1908, in Liverpool, England; died July 17, 1989; University of Liverpool, BS, 1929, PhD, 1932, DSc in botany, 1950; attended Glasgow School of Art.

Marine algae expert, discovered that Isochrysis galbana (a flagellate) is ideal for feeding oyster larvae; as a phycologist (seaweed expert) at Marine Biological Station at Port Erin, Isle of Man, studied the food of oyster larvae and algal cultures (1930–40); studied marine algae distribution on Britain's coasts for Development Commission and the Ministry of Supply (1941–46); employing a light microscope, created algae drawings; collaborated with professor Irene Manton of Leeds University to study algal structure using an electron microscope (1950s); was a founding member of British Phycological Society; became a fellow of Royal Society (1972).

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