
Oceanic primary production
Oceanic primary production refers to the process by which tiny marine plants called phytoplankton convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and nutrients into organic matter through photosynthesis. This process serves as the foundation of the ocean's food web, producing the energy that sustains marine life from tiny zooplankton to large whales. The level of primary production varies depending on factors like sunlight, water temperature, nutrient availability, and ocean currents. Overall, oceanic primary production is vital for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and regulating Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.