Phytoplankton Bloom
26.11.2024
Phytoplankton Bloom
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For Prelims: About Phytoplankton Bloom, Ecological significance |
Why in the news?
The research found that drought in southern Africa’s drylands had caused the strongest phytoplankton bloom in about 27 years, south-east Madagascar.
About Phytoplankton Bloom:
- Phytoplanktons are microscopic plants, but they play a huge role in the marine food web.
- Like plants on land, phytoplankton perform photosynthesis to convert the sun’s rays into energy to support them.
- Phytoplankton population explosion-blooms occur when sunlight and nutrients are abundantly available to the plants.
- When light, nutrients and other conditions, such as temperature, are at the best level for phytoplankton, they can rapidly multiply and flourish. This leads to the development of phytoplankton bloom.
- They grow and reproduce to a point where they are so dense that their presence changes the color of the water in which they live.
- Blooms can be quick events that begin and end within a few days or they may last several weeks.
Ecological significance:
- Phytoplankton is estimated to produce about 50 percent of Earth’s oxygen.
- They have a crucial role in the global carbon cycle.
- They provide an essential food source for organisms like zooplanktons.
- Just like terrestrial plants, they grow more in certain seasons.
Source: Down to earth
Consider the following statements regarding the Phytoplankton:
1. It is a microscopic plant that plays a vital role in the marine food web.
2. It blooms abundantly when there is availability of sunlight and nutrients in the marine waters.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2
Answer C