Why Plankton Are Important

Plankton are important because nearly all other marine creatures, whether directly or indirectly, depend on them as a source of food. Phytoplankton use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make their own food, which rids the ocean of excess carbon dioxide and produces oxygen. Phytoplankton are crucial to our existence because they provide 80% of the earth's oxygen.

Diatoms are tiny unicellular algae. They are responsible for much of the oxygen produced by phytoplankton. They are probably the most important food source in the ocean because they feed not only smaller zooplankton, but also larger organisms.

Dinoflagellates are phytoplankton that resemble both plant and animal plankton. They are able to swim like simple animals, but they can also photosynthesize like plants.