UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >  In the context of marine biodiversity, whicho... Start Learning for Free
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 in Marine Biodiversity
Phytoplankton are microscopic organisms that play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as they form the base of the food chain. They are responsible for producing a significant portion of the Earth's oxygen through photosynthesis.

Identifying Phytoplankton
- Diatoms: Diatoms are a type of phytoplankton that are characterized by their intricate silica shells. They are one of the most common types of phytoplankton found in marine environments.
- Dinoflagellates: Dinoflagellates are another type of phytoplankton that have two flagella for movement. They are known for their ability to produce bioluminescence in the ocean.
- Coccolithophores: Coccolithophores are a group of phytoplankton that have calcium carbonate plates covering their cells. They are important contributors to the global carbon cycle.
Therefore, in the context of marine biodiversity, diatoms, dinoflagellates, and coccolithophores are all examples of phytoplankton.
Hence, the correct answer is option 'A' - 1, 2 and 4 only.
Free Test
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.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

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?
Question Description
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? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about 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? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for 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?.
Solutions for 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? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of 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? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of 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?, a detailed solution for 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? has been provided alongside types of 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? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice 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? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev