Author Question: What factors are necessary for plankton productivity and therefore determine where productivity is ... (Read 117 times)

geodog55 · **on:** Aug 22, 2018

What factors are necessary for plankton productivity and therefore determine where productivity is high and where it is low?

Question 2

The pelagic realm is massive and supports a great diversity of living things. Considering zonation in the pelagic realm, where would you expect to find most of the organisms and why?

Jevvish · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Phytoplankton need light and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Light limits growth in the polar regions during winter, but upwelling of nutrient-rich water increases productivity wherever it occurs-- such as along coastlines.

Answer to Question 2

Most organisms will be found in the photic zone, also termed the epipelagic zone, where photosynthesis can take place. Phytoplankton obviously live where photosynthesis is possible, as do the zooplankton that feed on the phytoplankton and the fish that feed on the zooplankton.