Question
Why do phytoplankton live on the surface of the ocean?
They require colder temperatures than are found at the ocean's depths.
They require energy from the Sun to perform photosynthesis.
They require greater salinity than available at the ocean's depths.
They require oxygen found only at the surface in order to perform photosynthesis.
They require colder temperatures than are found at the ocean's depths.
They require energy from the Sun to perform photosynthesis.
They require greater salinity than available at the ocean's depths.
They require oxygen found only at the surface in order to perform photosynthesis.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Phytoplankton live on the surface of the ocean primarily because **they require energy from the Sun to perform photosynthesis**. Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. This process is essential for their growth and survival, and sunlight is most abundant at the ocean's surface where there is access to light.
The other options either don't accurately describe the needs of phytoplankton or are not correct. Phytoplankton do not specifically require colder temperatures or greater salinity at the surface, nor is oxygen found only at the surface; they produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. Therefore, the correct answer is related to their need for sunlight.
The other options either don't accurately describe the needs of phytoplankton or are not correct. Phytoplankton do not specifically require colder temperatures or greater salinity at the surface, nor is oxygen found only at the surface; they produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. Therefore, the correct answer is related to their need for sunlight.