GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Phytoplankton, also known as microalgae, are similar to terrestrial plants in that they contain chlorophyll and require sunlight in order to live and grow. Most phytoplankton are buoyant and float in the upper part of the ocean, where sunlight penetrates the water.

Detailed explanation-2: -Phytoplankton are the tiny, plant-like producers of the plankton community. They include bacteria and algae that form the base of aquatic food webs. Common phytoplankton include diatoms, dinoflagellates, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), and green algae.

Detailed explanation-3: -Algae and phytoplankton are not the same thing. There is, however, a degree of overlap between the two. Many algae, such as the diatoms, do indeed form part of phytoplankton. Other algae, such as red and brown algae, do not, as they are large multicellular organisms and are unable to float.

Detailed explanation-4: -Scientists classify plankton in several ways, including by size, type, and how long they spend drifting. But the most basic categories divide plankton into two groups: phytoplankton (plants) and zooplankton (animals).

Detailed explanation-5: -Producers. Primary producers-including bacteria, phytoplankton, and algae-form the lowest trophic level, the base of the aquatic food web. Primary producers synthesize their own energy without needing to eat. Many photosynthesize, using the sun’s energy to build carbohydrates.