Question

1. describe the role of phytoplankton in the carbon cycle. type here. 2. how is the ocean impacted by increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? type here.

Explanation:

1. Phytoplankton are photosynthetic organisms in the ocean. They take in carbon - dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic carbon through photosynthesis. When they die, some of this carbon sinks to the ocean floor, sequestering carbon for long - term periods.
2. Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere lead to more of it dissolving in the ocean. This causes ocean acidification as the dissolved carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the ocean. It can also lead to changes in ocean temperature and circulation patterns due to the greenhouse effect.

Answer:

1. Phytoplankton take in carbon - dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and can sequester carbon when they die and sink.
2. Increased carbon - dioxide levels cause ocean acidification and can affect temperature and circulation patterns.