Phytoplankton Role in Carbon Cycle

How do phytoplankton convert sunlight and nutrients into organic matter?

• Through chemosynthesis.

• Through photosynthesis.

• Through cellular respiration.

• Through bioluminescence.

What are two primary contributions of phytoplankton to the planet?

• Producing over half of Earth's oxygen and forming the base of the ocean food chain.

• Regulating ocean currents and creating coral reefs.

• Filtering pollutants from water and providing shelter for marine animals.

• Generating heat for marine life and preventing tsunamis.

Phytoplankton contain ​ (a)   which reflects back ​ (b)   light causing the organism to appear this color.

• chlorophyll
• green
• chloroplasts
• xanthophyll
• carotenoids
• red
• blue
• Orange

Phytoplankton come in an array of shapes such as ___ and filaments (cylinder like tubes).

Phytoplankton are _____ in a food chain, web, or energy pyramid.

• Heterotrophs

• Autotrophs

• Primary Consumers

• Secondary Consumers

Through what process does phytoplankton absorb CO2?

(a)  

• photosynthesis
• cellular respiration
• decomposition

What would be the likely consequence for the marine ecosystem if phytoplankton populations declined significantly?

• An increase in ocean acidity, benefiting coral reefs.

• A chain reaction impacting the entire marine food web, potentially leading to devastating consequences.

• A decrease in ocean temperatures, creating new habitats for marine life.

• An increase in the population of large marine mammals due to less competition.

In what way do phytoplankton contribute to regulating Earth's climate?

• By increasing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere.

• By absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

• By reflecting sunlight back into space.

• By generating ocean currents that distribute heat.

Phytoplankton even influence (a)   by absorbing massive amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere.

• polar bears
• Fish
• Whales
• Dolphins

Which option is NOT influencing the survival and succsess of phytoplankton?

• Pollution

• Increasing Temperatures

• pH changes

• H2O Levels