Plankton, through photosynthesis, produces a large portion of the oxygen we breathe. By absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, plankton plays an essential role in maintaining the balance of our atmosphere.
Plankton, especially phytoplankton, is absolutely vital as it produces a large part of the oxygen on Earth, about half! These microscopic floating organisms use sunlight to perform photosynthesis, just like plants on land, by absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen. Even though we don't often think about it, one out of every two breaths we take actually comes from these tiny marine creatures. Without their colossal work, the atmosphere would be very different and our lives completely impossible. That's why their health and balance are essential for all of us.
Phytoplankton, called phytoplankton, uses sunlight to perform photosynthesis, just like trees and terrestrial plants do. By capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂), these microorganisms release a large amount of oxygen, a gas essential for our respiration. Alone, these tiny microscopic beings produce about 50% of the oxygen present in our atmosphere. This discreet yet gigantic work of phytoplankton also helps regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, which aids in controlling the greenhouse effect and keeping our planet more livable. Without this invisible pump, our air would be very different.
Climate change is raising ocean temperatures, disrupting plankton growth. Some species are gradually disappearing, while others are proliferating excessively, breaking the natural balance. Added to this is pollution, particularly plastic and chemical waste, which directly threatens these small organisms living at the ocean's surface. Less plankton means less marine photosynthesis, which ultimately results in a notable decrease in the production of oxygen that we breathe every day. Not to mention ocean acidification, caused by excess CO₂, which also weakens plankton development and seriously complicates its ability to efficiently produce oxygen. Less healthy plankton means our oxygen is in jeopardy.
First, one of the most effective ways remains to create marine protected areas, which allows plankton to develop quietly without too much human impact. Next, we can work on reducing chemical pollution coming from land sources like agriculture or industry, because these pollutants clearly harm aquatic life, including plankton. Promoting more sustainable fishing practices, without overexploitation, indirectly protects the balance of the oceans and helps plankton breathe well. We can also take action by lowering our CO₂ emissions to slow down global warming, as an ocean that is too warm or too acidic is not great for them. Finally, raising awareness about the importance of these tiny organisms invisible to the eye, their key role in providing oxygen and our shared future, is crucial if we want to achieve change.
Every year, plankton absorbs billions of tons of carbon dioxide, thereby helping to moderate the greenhouse effect and combat climate change.
Certain types of plankton, called dinoflagellates, can produce bioluminescence, thus illuminating the oceans with beautiful bluish lights at night.
A even minimal change in ocean temperature can have significant consequences on plankton, thereby affecting the entire marine food chain.
Zooplankton primarily feeds on phytoplankton. Thus, without phytoplankton, the entire marine ecosystem, including large marine mammals, would be affected.
The majority of phytoplankton and zooplankton species are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye. However, during particular phenomena such as massive proliferations known as 'algal blooms' or bioluminescent areas, it is possible to indirectly observe high concentrations of plankton.
Plankton faces several major threats, including climate change, ocean acidification, pollution from plastics and chemicals, as well as overfishing, which alters marine food chains.
Yes, everyone can take action to protect plankton. For example, by limiting our carbon footprint, reducing plastic consumption, avoiding harmful chemicals for the environment, and supporting marine conservation initiatives.
A sudden decrease in plankton would not necessarily lead to an immediate oxygen shortage, as the atmosphere contains plenty of gas reserves. However, in the long term, a significant loss of plankton would reduce the oxygen produced and severely impact terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including the future availability of oxygen.
Yes, scientists estimate that phytoplankton produces about half of the oxygen on Earth, which is as much or even more than all the terrestrial forests combined. Their importance is therefore crucial for our atmosphere.
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