phytoplankton
Meaning: Microscopic photosynthetic organisms that live in the upper, sunlit layers of oceans, seas, and freshwater bodies, forming the base of most aquatic food chains.
Phytoplankton are responsible for roughly half of all photosynthesis on Earth, producing vast quantities of oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. Despite their tiny size, they are visible from space: satellite images of ocean colour reveal their blooms. Diatoms and cyanobacteria are among the most abundant types. Changes in phytoplankton populations are closely monitored as indicators of ocean health and climate change. It collocates with 'bloom,' 'marine,' 'photosynthesis,' 'ocean,' and 'productivity.'
Examples
- A massive phytoplankton bloom was detected by satellite off the coast of Cornwall, turning the sea a vivid turquoise. 卫星在康沃尔海岸外检测到大规模浮游植物水华,使海水呈现鲜艳的绿松色。Un enorme bloom de fitoplancton fue detectado por satélite frente a la costa de Cornualles, tiñendo el mar de un vívido color turquesa.コーンウォール沖で大規模な植物プランクトンのブルームが衛星で検出され、海が鮮やかなターコイズ色に変わりました。콘월 해안에서 대규모 식물성 플랑크톤 대발생이 위성으로 감지되어 바다가 선명한 터키옥색으로 변했습니다.
- Phytoplankton form the foundation of the marine food web, supporting everything from tiny zooplankton to the great whales. 浮游植物构成海洋食物网的基础,支撑着从微小浮游动物到大型鲸鱼的一切生物。El fitoplancton constituye la base de la red trófica marina, sustentando desde el diminuto zooplancton hasta las grandes ballenas.植物プランクトンは海洋食物網の基盤を形成し、微小な動物プランクトンから巨大なクジラまであらゆる生物を支えています。식물성 플랑크톤은 해양 먹이그물의 기초를 형성하며, 미세한 동물성 플랑크톤에서 거대한 고래에 이르기까지 모든 생물을 지탱합니다.
- The study measured how rising sea temperatures affect phytoplankton productivity in the North Atlantic. 该研究测量了海水温度升高如何影响北大西洋浮游植物的生产力。El estudio midió cómo el aumento de las temperaturas del mar afecta a la productividad del fitoplancton en el Atlántico Norte.その研究は、海水温の上昇が北大西洋における植物プランクトンの生産性にどのように影響するかを測定しました。그 연구는 해수면 온도 상승이 북대서양의 식물성 플랑크톤 생산성에 미치는 영향을 측정했습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek phyton (plant) and planktos (wandering, drifting), from plazein (to wander). The compound was coined in the late 19th century by German biologist Victor Hensen.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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