What are coccolithophores? What are their characteristic features? Where in marine environments do they usually occur? What is their main ecological significance? Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the cocolithophores?

A

Coccolithophores – A single celled marine flagellate that secretes a calcareous shell, forming an important constituent of the phytoplankton. Part of the haptophytes and posses calcified cells called coccoliths.

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2
Q

What are the characteristics of cocolithophores?

A

Have an external skeleton of scales called coccoliths

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3
Q

Where in the marine environment do cocolithophores occur?

A

The ideal place for them to occur is on the surface of relatively still water in mild temperatures (subtropical areas) and nutrient poor water

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4
Q

What is the major ecological significance of the cocolithophores?

A

Some thought to be the largest global producer of calcium carbonate, hence a major sink for CO2

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