Plankton Flashcards
T/F plankton are either very weak swimmers or drifters and can not significantly control their horizontal motion.
True
Phytoplankton are either - or -.
Single celled algae, (not plants) or bacteria
What is a common trait of phytoplankton and where do they usually live?
Common trait: photosynthesis
Live in euphotic zone usually in upper 100 feet
What are diatoms made of?
Silica become siliceous ooze when thy die. Dominant groups of marine organisms
What are coccolithophores made of?
Calcite often form calcareous ooze. Heavily concentrated in sea water 10000 per liter
What are dinoflagellates?
Second most common group of non bacterial algae in oceans. Completely decompose so they don’t form much sediment.
Are all dinoflagellates photosynthetic plankton?
No. Some live mutualistically with other organisms some with predators, others are parasites.
What are red tides?
Heavy concentrations of dinoflagellates that are hazardous to other animals. Also called algae blooms
What is Cyanobacteria ?
Formerly referred to as blue green algae.
How do phytoplankton affect global climate?
They are photosynthetic and release large amount of oxygen into the oceans and atmosphere.
How do coccolithophores affect global climate?
Release compounds into the air that seed cloud formation. Influence precipitation patterns
What are phytoplankton blooms?
Large patches of phytoplankton reproduction in areas with large quantities of nitrates, phosphates, and iron.
- are the basis of most normal marine food chains/ webs.
Plankton
