Phytoplankton

You like to breathe? More than half of Earth's oxygen is created by ______________in the ocean, but their levels are declining because oceans are warming up.... 😠

• phytoplankton

• zooplankton

• chemosynthesis, hydrothermal vents

• agricultural plants

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Nutrients are brought to the surface for phytoplankton to use at _______.

• gyres

• eddies

• upwellings

• the equator

Another reason algae /phytoplankton are important is because these serve as _____________ to most food chains in the ocean

• salinity protection

• primary food source

• barriers from strong currents/weather systems

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

The diagram below shows the relationship between some of the organisms in a marine food web. Which of the following is MOST LIKELY to happen if a large number of phytoplankton are killed from runoff entering the ocean?

• The number of porpoises would probably stay the same because porpoises are far removed from phytoplankton in the food web

• The number of zooplankton would probably increase because they wouldn’t have to compete with phytoplankton for food.

• The number of salmon would probably decrease because there would be less food available for zooplankton and herring.

• The Sun would probably not emit as much energy because there would not be as many phytoplankton in the ocean.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Why are phytoplankton considered crucial for aquatic ecosystems?

• They are the primary source of oxygen in water.

• They serve as the base of most aquatic food webs.

• They consume most of the harmful algal blooms.

• They regulate the temperature of the water.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What role do phytoplankton play in the carbon cycle?

• They release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

• They store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis.

• They increase the carbon footprint of aquatic ecosystems.

• They have no role in the carbon cycle.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Why is it important to monitor phytoplankton populations in water bodies?

• To ensure there is enough food for harmful algal blooms

• To predict and prevent fish kills

• To increase the rate of groundwater contamination

• To promote the growth of impervious surfaces around water bodies

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Phytoplankton are abundant in this ecosystem, because they are buoyant and float in the upper part of the water.

• Intertidal zone (high tide)

• Ocean (aphotic zone)

• Ocean (photic zone)

• Intertidal zone (low tide)

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the primary role of phytoplankton in the oceanic ecosystem?

• They produce oxygen through photosynthesis.

• They consume carbon dioxide through respiration.

• They decompose organic matter.

• They provide shelter for marine animals.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following factors is essential for the growth of phytoplankton?

• Sunlight

• High salinity

• Low temperature

• Strong currents

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3