The primary method used to determine cooler and warmer water temperatures from traces of ancient phytoplankton involves analyzing fossil records that indicate different species of phytoplankton. Specifically, fossil records indicate different species of phytoplankton prefer warm water to those that prefer colder water. By identifying the types of phytoplankton present in sedimentary layers, scientists can infer the historical temperature conditions of the water in which these organisms lived. Certain species are adapted to thrive in specific temperature ranges, allowing researchers to reconstruct past climate conditions based on the presence and abundance of these species in the fossil record.
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How are traces of ancient phytoplankton used to determine cooler and warmer water temperatures?
Chemical traces of phytoplankton that remain after millions of years are analyzed for data indicating water temperatures.
Large numbers of phytoplankton in fossil records after millions of years indicate warmer waters.
Climatologists analyze how much photosynthesis occurred after millions of years as an indicator of warmer water.
Fossil records indicate different species of phytoplankton prefer warm water to those that prefer colder water.
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