Plantlike Protists

Plantlike protists, like the euglena in the diagram below, are autotrophs. They can make their own food when sunlight is available. Identify each of the numbered structures of the euglena by choosing the correct term from each of the pull-down menus.

Phytoplankton Concentration

Earth's oceans are teeming with a variety of species of plantlike protists called phytoplankton, which are important producers in the ocean food web. They capture the sun's energy and make food that is eaten by ocean consumers. In this activity, you'll learn how the amount of phytoplankton in the Atlantic Ocean varies from place to place and from season to season.

To begin, print the Phytoplankton Worksheet. Then follow steps A–E below.

1. Go to maps of Atlantic Ocean phytoplankton concentration. Use the data on the maps to complete the Phytoplankton Worksheet.
2. Scroll down the page until you see the color key of the maps. Then, answer worksheet Questions 1 and 2.
3. Scroll back until the four seasonal images, January–March, April–June, July–September, and October–December are all visible at the same time. Answer worksheet Questions 3, 4, 5, and 6.
4. Use only the images for April–June and July–September. Answer worksheet Questions 7, 8, and 9.
5. When you are finished, check your Phytoplankton Worksheet answers.

Further Exploration

Phytoplankton, like all living things, are constantly interacting with the non-living things in their environment. The Interactions of Ocean Currents and Biology tutorial details how phytoplankton near the island of Tasmania are affected by local ocean currents.

You can also visit the Emiliania huxleyi homepage for an in-depth look at how this important species of phytoplankton affects global ecology.