Why are phytoplankton, and not benthic algae or rooted aquatic plants, the dominant photosynthetic organisms of the oceanic pelagic biome?
HELP please >.<
2007-08-16 04:30:25 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Space.
Think of it like this: how many areas can rooted plants (kelp) occupy in the ocean? Only places near the surface where there is sun, and suitable ground to take hold. Similar constraints for benthic algae.
Phytoplankton however, can occupy the top level (sunlight portion) of ocean all over the world. No need for soil, roots, or other limitations. There is just a lot more space for the suckers to live in. Also they reproduce a lot faster. Plus it does not hurt that they form the base of almost every food chain in the ocean.
2007-08-16 04:39:20 · answer #1 · answered by aximill12345 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't say that I am stupid for this question, b/c the simple fact that I have never studied biology!!
Since phytoplankton is mainly algae, I would take a guess that since alot the "ocean bottom" is made of this stuff, since it can float around. Whereas rooted aquatic plants don't move around. So I assume that the phytoplankton make up most of the ocean??
Not sure just taking a guess, good luck!!
2007-08-16 04:40:19 · answer #2 · answered by lookitsjenn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they float near the surface, where there is the most sunlight for photosynthesis. The others are deep enough that a significant fraction of light is blocked by the water.
2007-08-16 04:36:14 · answer #3 · answered by skeptik 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Phytoplankton simply make up so much biomass that they end up doing much more photosynthesis than any other organism.
2007-08-16 05:03:45 · answer #4 · answered by Lisa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋