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14.2.1. Factors Affecting Phytoplanktons Biodiversity Light

Phytoplanktons are limited to the uppermost layers of the ocean where light intensity is sufficient for

photosynthesis to take place.


The photosynthetic rate varies with light intensity.


Nutrients


The major inorganic nutrients required by phytoplankton for growth and reproduction are nitrogen and phosphorus.

Diatoms and silicoflagellates also require silicate (SiO2) in significant amounts.


Some phytoplankton can fix nitrogen and can grow in areas where nitrate concentrations are low.


They also require trace amounts of iron which limits phytoplankton growth in large areas of the ocean because iron concentrations are very low.