Phytoplankton: meaning, definitions and examples
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phytoplankton
[ หfaษชtษหplรฆลktษn ]
ocean life
Phytoplankton are microscopic plant-like organisms that live in water, primarily in oceans and freshwater. They serve as the foundation of the marine food web and are crucial for photosynthesis, producing a significant portion of the Earth's oxygen supply. Phytoplankton can be found in various shapes and sizes and can flourish in nutrient-rich environments.
Synonyms
microalgae, oceanic algae
Examples of usage
- Phytoplankton blooms can be seen from space.
- Scientists study phytoplankton to understand ocean health.
- Changes in phytoplankton populations impact marine biodiversity.
- Phytoplankton form the base of most aquatic food chains.
Translations
Translations of the word "phytoplankton" in other languages:
๐ต๐น fitoplรขncton
๐ฎ๐ณ เคซเคพเคเคเฅเคชเฅเคฒเคพเคเคเคเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Phytoplankton
๐ฎ๐ฉ fitoplankton
๐บ๐ฆ ัััะพะฟะปะฐะฝะบัะพะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ fitoplankton
๐ฏ๐ต ๆค็ฉใใฉใณใฏใใณ
๐ซ๐ท phytoplancton
๐ช๐ธ fitoplancton
๐น๐ท fitoplankton
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋ฌผ ํ๋ํฌํค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุทุญุงูุจ ุงูุนุงุฆู ุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ fytoplankton
๐ธ๐ฐ fytoplankton
๐จ๐ณ ๆตฎๆธธๆค็ฉ
๐ธ๐ฎ fitoplankton
๐ฎ๐ธ plรถntusvif
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะธัะพะฟะปะฐะฝะบัะพะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แคแแขแแแแแแแขแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ fitoplankton
๐ฒ๐ฝ fitoplancton
Word origin
The term 'phytoplankton' is derived from two Greek words: 'phyto,' meaning 'plant,' and 'plankton,' meaning 'drifter' or 'wanderer.' First used in scientific literature in the early 20th century, it reflects the significance of these organisms as drifting plants in aquatic ecosystems. Phytoplankton are vital for photosynthesis, contributing to both the biomass and biodiversity of oceanic and freshwater environments. As primary producers, they play a central role in carbon cycling and oxygen production, essential for supporting a myriad of marine life and influencing global climate patterns.