Plankton

Question 1

Diatom characteristics

Answer 1

Large (2-400 micrometres)
Silica frustules
Chlorophyll + Carotenoids

Question 2

Cyanobacterium characteristics

Answer 2

Small (<1 micrometre) or large colonies (0.5-4 mm)
Nitrogen fixers
Chlorophyll + Phycoerythrin, phycocyanin

Question 3

Dinoflagellate characteristics

Answer 3

Large (5-200 micrometres)
Unique life cycle and blooms
Chlorophyll + Variable photopigment, depends on symbiont

Question 4

Coccolithophorid characteristics

Answer 4

Small (2-25 micrometres)
CaCO3 plates (“coccoliths)
Chlorophyll + Carotenoids

Question 5

Smallest and largest groups

Answer 5

Smallest: Cyanobacteria
Largest: Diatoms (upper limit), dinoflagellates (lower limit)

Question 6

Low-nutrient conditions:

Answer 6

Smaller plankton (cyanobacteria, coccolithophorids)

Question 7

Low light:

Answer 7

Diatoms (coccolithophorids second lowest)

Question 8

Broad light spectrum (shallow mixed layer):

Answer 8

Cyanobacteria only

Question 9

Low temperature:

Answer 9

Diatoms (grow fastest)

Cyanobacteria grow most slowly