Table of Contents
What challenges do phytoplankton have?
When too many nutrients are available, phytoplankton may grow out of control and form harmful algal blooms (HABs). These blooms can produce extremely toxic compounds that have harmful effects on fish, shellfish, mammals, birds, and even people.
What adaptations do phytoplankton have?
Phytoplankton have special adaptations to stop them from sinking to the bottom to die. Because phytoplankton are tiny, they don’t weigh very much and they have a large surface area relative to their volume, which helps them float.
What are the three main groups of phytoplankton?
The three most important types of phytoplankton are:
- Diatoms. These consist of single cells enclosed in silica (glass) cases.
- Dinoflagellates. This name refers to two whip-like attachments (flagella) used for forward movement.
- Desmids. These freshwater photosynthesisers are closely related to green seaweeds.
How do phytoplankton survive?
Phytoplankton make their energy through photosynthesis, the process of using chlorophyll and sunlight to create energy. Like other plants, phytoplankton take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Phytoplankton rely on nutrients found in their surroundings, such as phosphate, nitrate, and calcium, to thrive.
What are the factors that affect the growth of phytoplankton?
Other factors influence phytoplankton growth rates, including water temperature and salinity, water depth, wind, and what kinds of predators are grazing on them. Phytoplankton can grow explosively over a few days or weeks.
How long does it take for a phytoplankton to bloom?
When conditions are right, phytoplankton populations can grow explosively, a phenomenon known as a bloom. Blooms in the ocean may cover hundreds of square kilometers and are easily visible in satellite images. A bloom may last several weeks, but the life span of any individual phytoplankton is rarely more than a few days.
Why do we need satellites to study phytoplankton?
Although samples taken from the ocean are necessary for some studies, satellites are pivotal for global-scale studies of phytoplankton and their role in climate change.