Phytoplankton - excerpt from Planet Ocean the movie

Summary

The script describes a remarkable phenomenon where sunlight fuels the explosion of plankton life, visible from space. These tiny organisms, including microalgae, form a vast prairie-like layer in the ocean's upper 100 meters. They play a crucial role in carbon consumption and oxygen production, with half of the planet's vegetation biomass produced annually by these organisms. The ocean, often referred to as the Earth's blue lung, is highlighted as the source of half the oxygen we breathe, emphasizing the blurred line between plant and animal life in these ancient protists.

Takeaways

• 🌞 The script describes a phenomenon where plankton blooms occur when the Sun is strong and light penetrates the ocean's surface.
• 🌌 Plankton blooms are so large they are visible from space, representing a massive explosion of life in the ocean.
• 🌿 Plankton are floating organisms that drift with water currents and are incapable of self-movement.
• 🌱 The blooming of plankton is powered by the Sun's energy, occurring in the upper 100 meters of the ocean where sunlight can reach.
• 🌳 Microscopic algae are a significant part of the plankton, forming a vast 'floating prairie' between bodies of water.
• 🌐 The biomass produced by these microalgae annually is equivalent to half of the planet's vegetation.
• 🌌 Some microalgae resemble distant galaxies and are classified as protists, ancient organisms with complex structures.
• 🔬 Most protists are single-celled organisms, surrounded by a silica or lime skeleton, blurring the line between plants and animals.
• 💪 Some green cells of microalgae have 'limbs' that help them move upwards, increasing their exposure to sunlight.
• 🌿 Microalgae consume carbon and produce oxygen, contributing to half of the air we breathe.
• 🌊 The ocean, with its microalgae, acts as the 'blue lung' of the planet, playing a crucial role in oxygen production.

Q & A

What phenomenon occurs when the Sun is strong and currents rise to the surface?

An astonishing phenomenon called a plankton bloom occurs, which is visible from space and represents an explosion of life.

Why are these organisms called plankton?

They are called plankton because they are floating life forms that cannot move themselves and drift with the water currents.

Where does this plankton blooming take place?

The blooming occurs between the surface and the first 100 meters depth of the ocean where sunlight can penetrate.

What are the tiny organisms that spread like an immense floating prairie in the ocean?

The tiny organisms are microalgae, which are responsible for a significant part of the planet's vegetation.

How does the biomass produced by microalgae compare to global vegetation?

The biomass produced by microalgae every year is equivalent to half of the planet's total vegetation.

What are protists and how do they relate to the microalgae?

Protists are very ancient organisms that resemble distant galaxies. They are complex, single-celled organisms, some of which are microalgae.

What is the blurred distinction between plant and animal at the microalgae level?

At the microalgae level, some green cells have limbs that push them upwards, blurring the distinction between plant and animal as they exhibit both photosynthesis and mobility.

What role do microalgae play in the production of oxygen?

Microalgae consume carbon and produce oxygen, contributing to half of the air we breathe.

Why is the ocean referred to as the 'blue lung of the planet'?

The ocean is called the 'blue lung of the planet' because it is the source of half of the oxygen we breathe, primarily through the photosynthetic activity of microalgae.

What is the significance of the silica or lime skeleton surrounding some microalgae?

The silica or lime skeleton surrounding some microalgae provides structural support and protection, and helps to increase their surface area exposed to the Sun.

How do the microalgae contribute to the carbon cycle?

Microalgae contribute to the carbon cycle by consuming carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, thus playing a crucial role in reducing atmospheric carbon levels.