There are about 1.5 million different species of phytoplankton, making up about a quarter of all marine life. Phytoplankton are the tiny plants and algae that live in the ocean and are the base of the food chain. They are responsible for creating most of the oxygen in the atmosphere, and are a major part of the ocean’s ecology.
How Many Phytoplankton Species Are There?
There are an estimated 1.5 million phytoplankton species on Earth, making up about a quarter of all living cells. They are the foundation of the marine food web, and play a crucial role in the cycling of nutrients and carbon dioxide.
Climate Change Expert at Phyto Cat
Faith Ellis is the lead editor at Phytocat.org, renowned for her extensive experience and deep expertise in marine biology, with a particular focus on phytoplankton. Holding a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology, Faith has spent over a decade conducting groundbreaking research in oceanic ecosystems, contributing significantly to our understanding of phytoplankton's role in climate change and marine life sustenance.
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