What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?
- The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.
- The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.
- The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Phytoplankton perform photosynthesis and absorb atmospheric CO₂, converting it into organic carbon through carbon sequestration. Their destruction would severely impair the ocean's role as a carbon sink.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Phytoplankton form the base of marine food chains, being the primary producers consumed by zooplankton and small fish, which support larger marine organisms. Their complete destruction would collapse oceanic food webs.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Ocean water density is determined by temperature and salinity, not by the presence of microscopic phytoplankton. Their removal would have negligible impact on water density.
Question 6 of 6 Food Chain and Food Web
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With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements : A...
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