EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Though they are microscopic in size, organisms called plankton play a big role in marine ecosystems. They provide the base for the entire marine food web.

Detailed explanation-2: -Plankton are the organisms that float near the surface of the water. Two types of plankton are microscopic plants called phytoplankton, and micro scopic animals called zooplankton. Phytoplankton produce most of the food for an aquatic ecosystem.

Detailed explanation-3: -Phytoplankton is the base of several aquatic food webs. In a balanced ecosystem, they provide food for a wide range of sea creatures. Phytoplankton, also known as microalgae, are similar to terrestrial plants in that they contain chlorophyll and require sunlight in order to live and grow.

Detailed explanation-4: -Phytoplankton are the foundation of the aquatic food web, the primary producers, feeding everything from microscopic, animal-like zooplankton to multi-ton whales. Small fish and invertebrates also graze on the plant-like organisms, and then those smaller animals are eaten by bigger ones.

Detailed explanation-5: -Through photosynthesis, phytoplankton use sunlight, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and water to produce oxygen and nutrients for other organisms. With 71% of the Earth covered by the ocean, phytoplankton are responsible for producing up to 50% of the oxygen we breathe.