Environment & Ecology Practice Question›› General Science ››
Biology
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Phytoplanktons
M
Question 1
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Consider the following ,regarding phytoplanktons:
1. They stay close to the ocean surface as they require sunlight for Photosynthesis.
2. They consume carbon dioxide at night as well.
3. They are small, which helps them maintain neutral buoyancy.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation Statement 1 is correct : Phytoplankton, also known as microalgae, are similar to terrestrial plants in that they contain chlorophyll and require sunlight in order to live and grow. Most phytoplankton are buoyant and float in the upper part of the ocean, where sunlight penetrates the water.
Statement 2 is not correct : Phytoplankton do not consume CO2 at night because they primarily use sunlight for photosynthesis, meaning they can only absorb carbon dioxide during daylight hours when there is enough light to power the process; at night, they primarily respire and release small amounts of CO2 instead
Statement 3 is correct: Most phytoplankton are very tiny, and their body structure helps them stay almost floating in the water, so they don't sink easily. The "stickiness" of seawater also helps keep them suspended. Some phytoplankton have tail-like structures called flagella that allow them to move a little bit, but they don't have strong swimming abilities.
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