Phytoplankton are a species of microalgae that dwell in water. They are photosynthetic organisms that depend on sunlight and nutrients like carbon dioxide to increase in energy and flourish. “Phytoplankton under a microscope” by Seth Benson, USGS Great Lakes Science Center Different types of phytoplankton include: diatoms, coccolithophores, dinoflagellates, silicoflagellates, green algae, and cyanobacteria. They …
Image by Sebastian Arie Voortman via Pexels When heat is trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere by certain gases, it is termed the “greenhouse effect”. In excess quantities these “greenhouse gases”, such as carbon dioxide and methane, become a main source of higher ocean temperatures and climate change. As the ocean absorbs an abnormally high amount …
Image by Wolfgang Zimmel via Pixabay The cetaceans Odontoceti, commonly known as dolphins, are aquatic mammals with a lifespan of around 20-80 years depending on the size of the species. They live in tropical underwater habitats, and their diet typically consists of smaller sea creatures like fish and crustaceans. Dolphins are social marine animals that …
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, a seashell is a mollusk’s multi-layered exoskeleton that guards their body and life. Many are drawn to their varying outward appearances, as they differ in color, shape, texture, and size. Pearls, which are microstructures within the innermost layer of the shell, are particularly fascinating to people, and are used in arts …
What are marine caves? Marine caves, also known as sea caves or littoral caves, are underwater environments that additionally serve as habitats for a large variety of species. More than 3000 marine caves are located in the Mediterranean Sea. According to the U.S. National Park Service, marine caves are formed in the process of erosion. …
