Microalgae and Phytoplankton Quiz

Use chlorophyll a in photosynthesis, be microscopic, and be single-celled or colonial (a group of single-cells).

Climate control, oxygen supply, and food production.

Phytoplankton make up the foundation of the oceanic food web as primary producers, which are essential for the survival of all other organisms in the food web.

<p>Oxygen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Phytoplankton help regulate inorganic carbon by the process of carbon fixation, which involves incorporating inorganic carbon (carbon dioxide) into organic carbon through photosynthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Factors influencing phytoplankton productivity include nutrient scarcity, sunlight levels, and seasonal changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The biological pump is the set of processes by which inorganic carbon is fixed into organic matter via photosynthesis and then sequestered away from the atmosphere, involving carbon fixation. Phytoplankton play a crucial role in this process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Phytoplankton populations fluctuate seasonally due to factors such as nutrient scarcity, sunlight levels, and typical concentrations varying by location and from month to month.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A chlorophyll sensor can be used to detect phytoplankton concentrations in-situ, providing immediate data and allowing for continuous or long-term monitoring and recording.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A high chlorophyll measurement is an indicator of eutrophication, which is an increase in the nutrient concentration of a body of water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nutrient scarcity significantly affects phytoplankton growth and populations because they rely on nutrients for their productivity and survival, and nutrient levels can influence their growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Phytoplankton serve as the primary producers at the bottom of the food web, providing organic carbon essential for the survival of other marine organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Phytoplankton serve as the primary source of nutrients and energy for marine animals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An organism is considered plankton if it is carried by tides and currents and cannot swim well enough to move against these forces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>There are about 5000 species of phytoplankton (PHY) known.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>All phytoplankton contain at least one form of chlorophyll (chlorophyll a) and can conduct photosynthesis for energy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The word 'plankton' comes from the Greek for 'drifter' or 'wanderer'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The size classification scheme for plankton divides the full range of plankton into seven categories based on size within one to two orders of magnitude.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Phytoplankton, both algae and cyanobacteria, can be found in fresh or saltwater.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Phytoplankton can grow in colonies large enough to be seen by the human eye, for example, in algal blooms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Phytoplankton, together with seaweeds and plants, form the primary source of nutrients and energy for marine animals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Phytoplankton are at the base of the oceanic food web, providing food for a wide range of marine organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A size-based classification scheme is used to divide the full range of plankton into seven categories based on size within one to two orders of magnitude.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The word 'plankton' originates from the Greek for 'drifter' or 'wanderer'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Microalgae/Phytoplankton</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>About 5000 species</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Greek for 'drifter' or 'wanderer'</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They are carried by tides and currents and cannot swim well enough to move against these forces</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>At least one form of chlorophyll (chlorophyll a)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In fresh or saltwater</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Size, divided into seven categories</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A scheme of classification that divides the full range of plankton into seven categories based on size</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Thousands of species</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Autotrophic free-floating microalgae, mostly unicellular, but can grow in colonies large enough to be seen by the human eye</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They form the primary source of nutrients and energy for marine animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It signifies their characteristic of being carried by tides and currents and inability to swim well against these forces</p> Signup and view all the answers