Ecosystem

Phytoplankton – Definition, Examples, Types

Phytoplankton

Have you ever visited an aquarium? If so, you’ve observed many different forms of marine life. There are playful sea otters, wildly colourful fish, and perhaps sea turtles that will catch your eye. Perhaps you like sea lions or sharks. However, have you seen any phytoplankton?

These are tiny organisms too small to even notice. Besides, if you have seen a jellyfish exhibit, then you have seen plankton. Plankton is a community of organisms with vast variants.

These spend part or all of their existence drifting freely in aquatic environments. In this topic, we shall learn about Phytoplankton creatures as a category of Plankton.

phytoplankton

Definition of Phytoplankton

These are a type of microscopic plankton capable of photosynthesis found in oceans, seas, and freshwater, and an essential component of aquatic ecosystems. These can range in various sizes and shapes. Also, they are photosynthesizing autotrophic organisms and they inhabit waters exposed to sunlight.

Although each of these organisms is microscopic but also in sufficient numbers, phytoplankton can be observed as coloured patches at the surface of bodies of water. Also found where two currents meet, due to the presence of chlorophyll.

It is cultured to support aquaculture and are critical for controlling carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the atmosphere of Earth since the Precambrian Era. Actually, as per an estimate, phytoplankton is responsible for as much as 85% of the oxygen in the atmosphere.

Types of Phytoplankton

This term covers a wide variety of different photosynthesizing aquatic microorganisms which are over 5000 species. These different species are in some specific environments. Types of some of the most commonly studied species are described below:

1. Coccolithophorids

Coccolithophorids are an important species of phytoplankton which exhibit characteristic calcium carbonate plates known as coccoliths. This type of phytoplankton is an important microfossil as well as a source of dimethyl sulfide.

This is thought to represent a potential mechanism which regulates climate change. So, by increasing the number of this phytoplankton, the enhanced level of dimethyl sulfide will become oxidized with the formation of sulfur dioxide and sulfate aerosols.

These aerosols will function as cloud seed nuclei which will increase cloud coverage and the reflection of sunlight.

2. Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria are extremely small phytoplankton that mainly inhabits less turbulent waters and can thrive in environments with fewer available nutrients.

Cyanobacterial species are highly diverse due to which they are extremely tolerant of changes in aquatic conditions. Therefore these are outcompeting many other types during changes in water temperatures or when nutrients become less abundant.

3. Diatoms

They are very essential phytoplankton that while microscopic, replicate rapidly. We can use these as an indication of water quality because they follow a “bloom-and-bust” life cycle. When nutrients reach the sunlight surfaces of an ocean, diatoms rapidly reproduce.

Thus, on the depletion of the nutrients, this growth ceases. Diatom also comprises a substantial portion of the organic matter found in the sediment of large bodies of water.

4. Dinoflagellates

Dinoflagellates are important phytoplankton which typically involved in supporting coral reef ecosystems as a significant food source for many species. These cause harmful algae blooms maintaining a red colour, “red tide”. Such blooms contaminate shellfish and hence cause food poisoning in humans if they consume it.

Examples

Some examples are as follows:

  1. Blue-green algae
  2. Green algae
  3. Yellow-green algae
  4. Golden-brown algae
  5. Cryptomonads
  6. Euglenoids
  7. Brown algae
  8. Red algae

Solved Question for You

Q: The absence of phytoplankton in an aquatic environment will be the indication of?

  1. Water quality
  2. The absence of sunlight
  3. Insufficient nutrients
  4. All of the above are indications

Ans: Option D is correct. They can grow only when there are sufficient nutrients and sunlight. Therefore in the absence of such nutrients, phytoplankton typically does not grow.

Also, the species present within the water and the presence of phytoplankton blooms are useful indicators of water quality.

Share with friends

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in?
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
12th
Get ready for all-new Live Classes!
Now learn Live with India's best teachers. Join courses with the best schedule and enjoy fun and interactive classes.
tutor
tutor
Ashhar Firdausi
IIT Roorkee
Biology
tutor
tutor
Dr. Nazma Shaik
VTU
Chemistry
tutor
tutor
Gaurav Tiwari
APJAKTU
Physics
Get Started

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Watch lectures, practise questions and take tests on the go.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

No thanks.