Plankton Role in Carbon Cycle

Plankton, tiny organisms in the ocean, play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. They convert this CO₂ into organic matter, forming the base of the marine food web. When plankton die or are eaten, some of their carbon sinks to the ocean floor, effectively removing CO₂ from the atmosphere for long periods. This process helps regulate Earth's climate by reducing greenhouse gases, making plankton vital in maintaining the balance of carbon between the atmosphere and oceans.