What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason? 1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected. 2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected. 3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.

QUESTION

Medium

Environment & Ecology

Prelims 2012

What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?

The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.
The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.
The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.

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Explanation

Phytoplankton are microscopic, single-celled photosynthetic organisms that live suspended in water. They play a crucial role in the ocean's carbon cycle and food chains.

Phytoplankton absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic carbon, a process known as carbon sequestration. This makes the ocean a significant carbon sink. If phytoplankton were to be completely destroyed, this process would be disrupted, adversely affecting the ocean's ability to act as a carbon sink.

Phytoplankton form the base of the marine food chain. They are consumed by small marine animals, which are in turn eaten by larger ones, and so on. If phytoplankton were to be completely destroyed, it would disrupt the food chains in the ocean.

The density of ocean water is primarily determined by its temperature and salinity, not by the presence of phytoplankton.

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