Plankton: Invisible heroes of the oceans

Plankton: Invisible heroes of the oceans

Although it is so microscopic that you cannot see it with the naked eye, Plankton plays an enormously important and far -reaching role in the global ecosystem. Plankton, the invisible heroes of the oceans, is the basis of the food chain in the open sea and a large CO2 memory on earth, which makes it an indispensable part of the global climate system. In this article we will illuminate the fascinating world of plankton for you.

What is plankton?

Definition of plankton

Plankton consists of tiny organisms that float in sweet or salt water. His name comes from the Greek and means "the driven", fitting that it is usually passively driven by the trends by the waters of our world. Although it is so small, its diversity is one of the largest on our planet. Plankton is roughly divided into two categories: phytoplankton, the plant -like species, and zooplankton, the animal -like species.

phytoplankton and its meaning

The phytoplankton includes tiny, Photosynthetic organisms, i.e. plant -like unicellular organisms that convert sunlight into food like plants in the country. Since they absorb sunlight, they are green and thus give the sea its characteristic color. Not only that, phytoplankton is also responsible for about half of the entire photosynthetic activity of the earth and generates about the same amount of oxygen. They are the essence of the marine food chain and one of the largest carbon sinks of our planet.

zooplankton and its importance

Zooplankton, the second major category, includes a variety of tiny animals that feed on Phytoplankton or other zooplankton species. This includes tiny crabs, jellyfish larvae, protozoa and many other species. Zooplankton is often the main source of food for fish and other larger sea creatures.

The role of plankton in the ecosystem

Plankton and the food chain

The basic function of plankton is its role as the basis of the food chain in the world's oceans. Phytoplankton, which converts sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into organic material and oxygen, is the source of food for zooplankton. This in turn serves numerous marine organisms, from tiny fish to huge whales, as food.

Plankton and the climate

But plankton not only affects the oceans, we humans also have a lot to offer. The phytoplankton has an important role in our climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converting it into oxygen. In this process, it binds carbon, which then sinks to the sea floor when the plankton organisms die and drop. In this way, plankton works like a large carbon sink and actively helps to reduce the greenhouse gas values ​​in our atmosphere.

plankton and the health of the oceans

The health and well -being of the oceans depend heavily on the plankton. Phytoplankton requires sufficient sunlight and sufficient nutrients. The supply of these nutrients in turn depends heavily on oceanic currents, temperatures and the pollution of the water by humans. The effects of climate change on sea life are complex, but research indicate that increasing water temperatures and ocean acidification could affect growth and distribution of phytoplankton.

Plankton monitoring is therefore an important element of oceanography. By monitoring the amount and distribution of plankton in the oceans, they gain important information on changes in the marine ecosystem and climate.

conclusion

Plankton may be invisible, but his role in our oceans and our planet is anything but that. It receives the food chain, helps with the regulation of our climate and shows us the health of our oceans. The more we learn about these tiny heroes, the better we can protect and preserve our valuable sea resources. Truly, plankton are the invisible heroes of the oceans. As small as they are, so great is their meaning for life on earth.