Epipelagic zone Flashcards
Why are surface waters of open ocean nutrient deplete?
Because there are no riverine sources and it is a downwelling region.
What are the autotrophs found in the epipelagic zone?
planktonic, aprt from Sargassum Gulfweed.
What are the major phytoplankton found in the epipelagic zone?
- Diatoms (dominate the shallow coast, but decrease in abundance seaward)
- Dinoflagellates
- Coccolithophores
What do chlorophyll composites tell us about levels of phytoplankton biomass?
High levels of phytoplankton are found around coastal areas because of input from rivers and upwelling of new nutrients.
From the Caribbean coats outwards to sea, how does the distribution of phytoplankton change?
Diatoms are most abundant throughout but decline as they reach further out to sea. Dinoflagellates and Coccolithophores are more abundant further from the coast.
What are the major zooplankton found in the epipelagic zone?
- Foraminifera
- Radiolaria
What are epipelagic zooplankton preyed upon?
Larger zooplankton like primary copepods.
Preyed upon by carnivores - arrow worms, sea butterflies and amphipods.
Top predators include - mackeral, squid, jellyfish and sharks.
