![]() RhodophytaĪlso known as Red Algae, Rhodophyta is one of the more common types of algae found in all types of marine ecosystems and is easy to spot because of its large size. They are also exposed to issues like the algal blooms that harm everything in their path.Īll in all, algae is a necessary component for a successful ecosystem, but it also needs to be maintained to avoid overpopulation. The term “algae” covers a wide variety of species, and although there is not a definite answer as to how many different kinds there are, scientists believe it is somewhere in the millions.īut one defining factor for all of these types of algae is that they are single-celled organisms that produce their own oxygen.Īnd like the other two producers in this list, they serve as the main food source for primary consumers.Īlgae can be found in every body of water but just bear a different form. ![]() Known for the ability to create their own photosynthesis, algae is the third producer of the ocean and it plays a vital role in a balanced ecosystem. ![]() On top of this, seaweed is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects and cancer-fighting agents. In fact, seaweed is considered a delicacy in many countries like Japan and is used in popular dishes like sushi rolls. It can also be used as a food source for humans thanks to its concentration of healthy minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Like phytoplankton, seaweed feeds many of the primary consumers needed to maintain the marine food web and without it, the entire ecosystem could fall to pieces. The bottom line is that seaweed comes in all shapes and sizes, but its role in marine life remains constant. While most types of seaweed are easy to spot, there are some that share the same microscopic characteristics as phytoplankton.īut on the other hand, there are some types of seaweed that are so large that they take up most of the ocean floor. ![]() Although the type of seaweed can vary, it can be found in almost every body of water ranging from rivers to ponds. SeaweedĪnother important producer that is made up of a large variety of subspecies is seaweed, and although everyone is exposed to it at some point in their life, most people don’t understand its significance.Ī common misconception is that seaweed can only be found in the ocean. These blooms not only impact the marine life it is exposed to but can also have harmful effects on any birds or people who interact with the environment.īecause of this, scientists are always on the hunt for such blooms to stop them in their tracks. However, when phytoplankton grows out of control, it can develop harmful algal blooms that ultimately have dire effects on its environment. This in turn provides food for many other marine species. This microalga is the main food source for a variety of primary producers like shrimp, jellyfish, and snails. Phytoplankton plays a very important role in the balance of marine life, but it can also become harmful if not properly maintained. You can find phytoplankton in both saltwater and freshwater, but the type of this organism can vary. In fact, there are over five thousand different types of phytoplankton currently on record. Because of this, you will often see phytoplankton close to the surface in areas where sunlight can reach it. These microalgae are like plants in many ways as they need sunlight in order to live and are made up of chlorophyll. There are many different types of phytoplankton, but one thing remains constant throughout them all – they all play an important role as producers in the ocean. Many of these producers are microscopic, and those that aren’t are usually referred to as nuisances due to a lack of knowledge about their importance.Ĭheck out this list of the top ten producers in the ocean to gain some insight into marine life and appreciation for the impact they have on our world. Not to mention the fact that these producers also act as a helper to human life since they pull the carbon dioxide from the air and provide healthy nutrients that are often used in cooking. If something were to happen to these producers, marine life would eventually die out altogether. In fact, the producers of the ocean serve as the very first food source in a long web of marine life. There are more than two million species located within the depths of our oceans, and this doesn’t even take into consideration the eighty percent that still hasn’t been explored.Īnd while marine species like sharks, dolphins, and whales tend to get all the recognition, they wouldn’t be able to survive without the help of the ocean’s producers.
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