AP/DE Bio 101 - Video Recap - Phytoplankton & Carbon Cycling

What process do plants use to remove carbon from the atmosphere?

• Respiration

• Photosynthesis

• Decomposition

• Combustion

Answer explanation

Plants use photosynthesis to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, converting it into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. This process is essential for their growth and helps reduce atmospheric carbon levels.

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Which tiny marine plants are the base of the marine food web?

• Zooplankton

• Phytoplankton

• Algae

• Seaweed

Answer explanation

Phytoplankton are tiny marine plants that form the foundation of the marine food web, serving as the primary producers that convert sunlight into energy, which supports a wide range of marine life.

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How does carbon move up the food chain in the ocean?

• Through photosynthesis

• By being eaten by animals

• By dissolving in water

• Through decomposition

Answer explanation

Carbon moves up the food chain in the ocean primarily by being eaten by animals. When smaller organisms, like phytoplankton, are consumed by larger animals, carbon is transferred through the food web.

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What role do phytoplankton play in the Earth's oxygen production?

• They produce all of the Earth's oxygen.

• They produce half of the Earth's oxygen.

• They produce none of the Earth's oxygen.

• They produce a quarter of the Earth's oxygen.

Answer explanation

Phytoplankton are crucial for oxygen production, contributing about half of the Earth's oxygen through photosynthesis. This makes them essential for maintaining the planet's oxygen levels.

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What happens to carbon when phytoplankton die and decompose?

• It is released as oxygen.

• It is recycled in surface waters or sinks to the ocean floor.

• It is converted into fossil fuels.

• It is absorbed by marine animals.

Answer explanation

When phytoplankton die, the carbon they contain is recycled in surface waters or sinks to the ocean floor, contributing to the ocean's carbon cycle. This process helps maintain the balance of carbon in marine ecosystems.

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Explain how the ocean acts as a carbon sink.

• It releases carbon into the atmosphere.

• It absorbs carbon through physical and biological processes.

• It stores carbon in the form of fossil fuels.

• It converts carbon into oxygen.

Answer explanation

The ocean acts as a carbon sink by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through physical processes like diffusion and biological processes such as photosynthesis by marine plants, helping to regulate global carbon levels.

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What is the impact of increased CO2 levels on ocean acidity?

• It decreases ocean acidity.

• It has no effect on ocean acidity.

• It increases ocean acidity.

• It neutralizes ocean acidity.

Answer explanation

Increased CO2 levels lead to more carbonic acid formation in oceans, which lowers pH and increases acidity. Therefore, the correct answer is that it increases ocean acidity.

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Describe the process of upwelling and its significance in the carbon cycle.

• Upwelling brings warm water to the surface, reducing carbon storage.

• Upwelling brings nutrients and carbon to the surface, supporting marine life.

• Upwelling removes carbon from the ocean floor.

• Upwelling decreases the ocean's ability to absorb carbon.

Answer explanation

Upwelling is a process where deep, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, bringing carbon and nutrients that support marine life. This enhances productivity and plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle by facilitating biological carbon uptake.

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Analyze how warming ocean temperatures affect phytoplankton levels.

• Warming temperatures increase phytoplankton levels.

• Warming temperatures have no effect on phytoplankton levels.

• Warming temperatures decrease phytoplankton levels.

• Warming temperatures stabilize phytoplankton levels.

Answer explanation

Warming ocean temperatures can lead to stratification, reducing nutrient mixing and light availability, which ultimately decreases phytoplankton levels. Thus, the correct answer is that warming temperatures decrease phytoplankton levels.

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What is the primary reason researchers use satellites to study phytoplankton?

• Satellites can measure the temperature of the ocean.

• Satellites provide a global perspective on phytoplankton distribution.

• Satellites can capture images of marine animals.

• Satellites can detect ocean currents.

Answer explanation

The primary reason researchers use satellites to study phytoplankton is that they provide a global perspective on phytoplankton distribution, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of these vital organisms across vast ocean areas.