What is phytoplankton ?
1 Answer
Phytoplanktons are photosynthesising microscopic organisms that inhibit the upper sunlit layer of almost all oceans and bodies of fresh water on earth.
Explanation:
Phytoplanktons obtain energy through the process of photosynthesis and are agents for primary production. They synthesise organic compounds from carbon dioxide dissolved in water and sustain the aquatic food web. They provide an essential ecological function for all aquatic life.
The major types of phytoplanktons are diatoms, brown algae, blue-green algae, green algae and dinoflagellates.
Phytoplanktons are eaten as food or as nutrient supplements. Diatoms are used for filters and as a commonly used abrasive in toothpastes. Carrageenan is a derivative of phytoplanktons that is used as a thickening agent in ice cream, sauces and puddings.
Some phytoplanktons produce toxins that can be lethal to marine life by forming harmful algal blooms. These blooms cause respiratory problems for animals due to extreme oxygen depletion.
