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In the context of marine biodiversity, whichof the following are phytoplankton?
1. Diatoms
2. Dinoflagellates
3. Crustaceans
4. Coccolithophores
5. Foraminifera
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
  • a)
    1, 2 and 4 only
  • b)
    1, 3 and 5 only
  • c)
    2, 4 and 5 only
  • d)
    1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
In the context of marine biodiversity, whichof the following are phyto...
Phytoplankton are microscopic organisms that are the foundation of marine food webs. They are photosynthetic, meaning they use sunlight to produce energy, and they play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Phytoplankton are responsible for approximately 50% of the world's oxygen production.

Among the given options, the following are phytoplankton:

1. Diatoms:
- Diatoms are a type of phytoplankton that are characterized by their unique cell wall made of silica.
- They are abundant in both freshwater and marine environments.
- Diatoms are known for their intricate and beautiful shapes, and they are a major component of marine phytoplankton communities.
- They are an important food source for zooplankton and other marine organisms.

2. Dinoflagellates:
- Dinoflagellates are another type of phytoplankton that are characterized by their two flagella, which allow them to move in the water.
- They are found in both marine and freshwater environments.
- Some dinoflagellates are capable of bioluminescence, creating the phenomenon known as "red tide."
- Dinoflagellates are an important food source for various marine organisms, including filter-feeding shellfish.

4. Coccolithophores:
- Coccolithophores are a group of phytoplankton that have calcified plates called coccoliths on their cell surface.
- They are most commonly found in warmer, tropical waters.
- Their coccoliths reflect light, giving the water a milky or turquoise appearance.
- Coccolithophores are an important component of the marine carbon cycle and contribute to the formation of marine sediments.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A: 1, 2, and 4 only. Crustaceans (option 3) and Foraminifera (option 5) are not phytoplankton; they are zooplankton. Crustaceans include various types of small marine animals such as copepods and krill, while Foraminifera are single-celled organisms with a shell that are often used as indicators of past climate conditions.
Community Answer
In the context of marine biodiversity, whichof the following are phyto...
  • 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. Dinoflagellates use a whip-like tail, or flagella, to move through the water and their bodies are covered with complex shells. Diatoms also have shells, but they are made of a different substance and their structure is rigid and made of interlocking parts.
    • Diatoms do not rely on flagella to move through the water and instead rely on ocean currents to travel through the water.
  • Coccolithophores are also a group of phytoplankton that live in large numbers throughout the upper layers of the ocean. Coccolithophores surround themselves with a microscopic plating made of limestone (calcite).
  • Crustaceans include all the animals of the phylum Arthropoda. Crustaceans are a very diverse group of invertebrate animals that includes active animals such as crabs, lobsters, shrimp, krill, copepods, amphipods, and more sessile creatures like barnacles. Arthropoda is the largest phylum of Animal Kingdom.
  • Foraminifera represents an ancient species of zooplankton that live mostly in sediment but also in the water column. They belong to the kingdom Protista.
  • Phytoplankton varies seasonally in amount, increasing in spring and fall with favourable light, temperature, and minerals.
  • Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
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In the context of marine biodiversity, whichof the following are phytoplankton?1. Diatoms2. Dinoflagellates3. Crustaceans4. Coccolithophores5. ForaminiferaSelect the correct answer using the code given below.a)1, 2 and 4 onlyb)1, 3 and 5 onlyc)2, 4 and 5 onlyd)1, 2, 3, 4 and 5Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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