Plankton

Plankton are tiny aquatic organisms that play a vital role in the ocean's ecology. They are broadly categorized into two groups: phytoplankton and zooplankton. Phytoplankton are photosynthetic, meaning they use the sun's energy to produce their own food, while zooplankton feed on other organisms. Plankton act as the foundation of the ocean's food chain and are consumed by larger creatures like fish, turtles, and whales. Plankton also form the basis of the ocean's biological pump, which helps regulate the global climate by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the deep ocean. Plankton are also the source of much of the world's oxygen production, since they use the sun's energy to produce oxygen. They also play an important role in the global nitrogen cycle, which helps keep soil fertile and aids in the production of fertilizer.