1) Deep sea: The deep sea habitat is characterized by very low levels of sunlight, extreme pressures, and cold temperatures. These conditions make it difficult for sunlight to penetrate the water column, thus limiting the growth of phytoplankton. Additionally, deep-sea currents are often too weak to transport nutrient-rich water, further limiting phytoplankton growth.
2) Arctic and Antarctic regions: These regions have long periods of darkness during winter months, which limits the amount of sunlight available for photosynthesis. During the summer months, ice coverage can also limit phytoplankton growth by blocking sunlight. The cold temperature of the water slows down the metabolism of phytoplankton further, which reduces their reproduction rate.
3) Open ocean: Parts of the open ocean that are far from nutrient-rich continental shelves have a low concentration of phytoplankton. The open ocean experiences a phenomenon called nutrient limitation, where the water contains low concentrations of essential nutrients all-year-round; this limits the productivity of phytoplankton and, in turn, the food web. Additionally, the open ocean is subject to nutrient recycling processes, where sinking organic matter is degraded by bacteria, and the nutrients are recycled. This means the nutrients required by phytoplankton often sink to deeper levels where they are less accessible.
Explain which three marine habitats would have the least access to phytoplankton, and why.
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