Discuss why marine phytoplankton are generally smaller and more ornate than their freshwater counterparts

What will be an ideal response?


The photic zone is the upper portion of the ocean in which light levels are sufficient to support photosynthesis. In the open ocean, this layer is 100-200 meters deep. If autotrophic planktonic organisms sink below 200 meters, then they die. Marine diatoms are much smaller than freshwater diatoms; their increased surface area to volume ratio keeps them afloat. Additionally, marine diatoms have ornate spines that increase surface area. Many freshwater diatoms live in habitats where light penetrates to the bottom so sinking is not problematic. Freshwater diatoms lack the ornate spines frequently observed in marine diatoms because light penetrates to the bottom of the pond, stream, or puddle where they live.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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How does a hydrogenous sediment form in the deep ocean?

a) Hot water from vents concentrate nutrients in the deep ocean. b) Phosphates and carbonates occur at volcanic mid-ocean ridges. c) Shipwrecks dissolve and contribute to the mineral content in the ocean. d) Dissolved minerals in seawater precipitate out of solution when temperature and pressure conditions change.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Even moderate levels of grazing are unhealthy for grasslands.

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Most of the environmental progress made over the past few decades has come about through __________ methods.

- free-rider - command-and-control - public ownership - green tax

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

When a deep upper-level trough is located to the east of a surface anticyclone, in which of the following directions will the surface anticyclone tend to move?

A. northwest B. southwest C. northeast D. southeast

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences