Organism
Marine Phytoplankton
TL;DR
Marine phytoplankton are microscopic photosynthetic organisms that form the base of ocean food webs.
Marine phytoplankton are microscopic photosynthetic organisms that form the base of ocean food webs. They require carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in approximate ratios of 106:16:1 (the Redfield ratio), demonstrating stoichiometric constraints on growth. When environmental ratios differ from these requirements, phytoplankton become limited by whichever nutrient is least available.
Notable Traits of Marine Phytoplankton
- Photosynthetic
- Base of marine food web
- C:N:P ratio of 106:16:1