Q. Which of the following statements about ‘phytoplankton’ is/are correct?
- They are buoyant and float in the upper part of the ocean.
- The two main classes are dinoflagellates and diatoms.
- They emit dimethylsulphide, an inorganic sulphur-containing compound that gives the sea its distinct smell.
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer:
Only 1 & 2
Notes:
- Phytoplankton, also known as microalgae, are similar to terrestrial plants in that they contain chlorophyll and require sunlight in order to live and grow. Most phytoplankton are buoyant and float in the upper part of the ocean, where sunlight penetrates the water. Phytoplankton also require inorganic nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates, and sulfur which they convert into proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The two main classes of phytoplankton are dinoflagellates and diatoms.
- Marine phytoplankton, like land plants, are primary producers at the bottom of the food chain. Through photosynthesis, phytoplankton absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and produce organic carbon that ultimately supports the entire marine food web.
- Marine phytoplankton emit dimethylsulphide, or DMS, an organic sulphur-containing compound that gives the sea its distinct smell. When oxidized, DMS can produce sulphur aerosols that serve as cloud condensation nuclei that play an important role in cloud formation.