Select the wrong statement.

Options

A. The walls of diatoms are easily destructible
B. 'Diatomaceous earth' is formed by the cell walls of diatoms
C. Diatoms are chief producers in the oceans
D. Diatoms are microscopic and float pas- sively in water

Answer

To solve the question, we need to evaluate each of the provided statements about diatoms and identify the one that is incorrect.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Analyze Option 1**: "The walls of diatoms are easily destructible."
- Diatoms have cell walls made of silica, which is a very hard and durable material. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

2. **Analyze Option 2**: "Diatomaceous earth is formed by the cell wall of diatoms."
- When diatoms die, their silica cell walls accumulate and form diatomaceous earth. This statement is correct.

3. **Analyze Option 3**: "Diatoms are chief producers in the ocean."
- Diatoms are indeed primary producers in marine ecosystems, contributing significantly to the ocean's primary productivity. This statement is correct.

4. **Analyze Option 4**: "Diatoms are microscopic and float passively in water."
- Diatoms are microscopic organisms that can float in water. This statement is also correct.

### Conclusion:
The wrong statement among the options is **Option 1**: "The walls of diatoms are easily destructible."