Plankton are essential in oceans and food chains worldwide. Phytoplankton specifically, are the primary producers providing food for Zooplankton, which together they formulate the foundation of the oceanic food chain. They are also a vital food source for larger animals.Phytoplankton are responsible for most of the transfer of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to the ocean.
What is the difference between phytoplankton and zooplankton?
The difference between Phytoplankton and Zooplankton is the fact that Phytoplankton are plants, while Zooplankton are animals. Zooplankton favour darker and cooler places in the water. While Phytoplankton gravitate towards the surface of the water …show more content…
They have adaptations of a flat bodies and lateral spines to help them stay a float, they do this by increasing their surface area whilst minimising volume. In addition to structural adaptations, plankton also have behavioural adaptations to scare of predators. These are behavioural adaptations such as: transparent bodies, bright colors, and cyclomorphosis.
How could human activities affect planktonic communities? Give examples
Human activity such as: littering and oils spills can really affect planktonic communities. They make toxin levels within the water skyrocket ultimately reducing the water quality. Human contribution to greenhouse gases also have an affect on planktonic communities, as it disrupt the cycles that planktons are apart such as: the carbon cycle. Planktons are susceptible to population decrease because of these types of human activity.
How is the colour of the ocean water related to plankton?
The colour of the ocean is related to plankton as phytoplankton contain chlorophyll, and its green pigment acts as a light absorbing substance in the ocean. The Phytoplankton absorb the red and blue light out of the ocean waters, therefore reflecting green light. So, where plankton is present in the ocean, the colour of the ocean will appear green to blue-green depending on its