Primary Producers

• What is primary production?

  The formation of chemical energy by autotrophs
• How do photoautotrophs contribute to biomass?

  They generate more biomass using energy
• Why is primary production important for the ecosystem?

  It sustains the ecosystem and shapes the planet
• What percentage of global primary production is attributed to phytoplankton?

  50%
• What are the main marine primary producers?

  • Algae
  • Phytoplankton
  • Higher plants like mangroves
• Why are primary producers important in marine ecosystems?

  They are the base of all food chains
• How does primary productivity in the open ocean affect the biosphere?

  It dominates and supports the entire biosphere
• What role do primary producers play in regulating CO2 levels in the ocean?

  They regulate CO2 from the atmosphere
• What happens to seawater when surface matter decreases?

  Absorbance increases with depth to light
• What is the significance of CM6 produced during respiration?

  It helps to budget climate
• What do diatoms and coccolithophores contribute to the ocean?

  They deplete from depth and produce shells
• What type of deposits do coccolithophores produce?

  Calcium carbonate deposits
• What do diatoms produce daily?

  Siliceous shells
• How can phytoplankton be used in relation to climate change?

  They sustain energy but indicate climate change
• What is the size of phytoplankton?

  Less than 2mm
• What are the characteristics of microplankton?

  • Can be chain forming
  • Suspended in water
• What adaptations do planktonic flagellates have?

  Adapted mouth parts to filter
• What is detritus consumption in relation to phytoplankton?

  Higher density leads to more consumption
• Which ocean has very low primary productivity?

  South Atlantic Ocean
• What indicates high primary productivity in the southern ocean?

  A green tinge to the water