A Minute to Understand the plankton

This is a diverse group of microscopic organisms (more than 20,000 species, such as diatoms and cyanobacteria) that live within the top 200 meters of the water column (the photic zone). The planet’s true “lungs.” Contrary to common misconceptions about terrestrial forests, phytoplankton produces between 50% and 85% of the world’s oxygen through photosynthesis. Phytoplankton acts as a major carbon sink, having absorbed 40% of CO₂ emissions from human activities since 1750, which significantly limits global warming. It is the first link in the oceanic food chain and ensures the circulation of energy and nutrients. Ocean warming disrupts phytoplankton activity. A decline in this activity would lead to a drop in oxygen production and could trigger a mass extinction of marine species, making the protection of these invisible ecosystems vital to our own survival.