Productivity in the Oceans

Primary Production

In ecology, the term "productivity" refers to the chemical energy that is produced by living organisms and then transferred through the environment. Autotrophs, or primary producers, create this energy using light or chemical energy as a resource. These organisms are the foundation of the marine food chain and support almost all life on Earth.

To understand the journey of energy through the food chain, it is important to understand the processes that primary producers need to live - photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, and respiration. In this interactivity, you will learn more about these processes. Also, you will examine one of the world's most important primary producers, phytoplankton, and the factors that limit their growth. Click the player button to get started.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

 

Productivity in the World's Oceans

The map shown above illustrates the location of primary production in the oceans. Areas of high primary production are shown by purple and blue colors, while areas of low production are indicated in yellow, orange, and red. Why do you think that the areas of high primary production are located where they are? In this topic's presentation, you learned about factors that limit the growth of phytoplankton and other autotrophs. The areas in the map that show a high level of primary production have ample sunlight throughout the year and they are not extremely turbid. In addition, those areas provide an ample source of the inorganic nutrients needed for chemosynthesis and photosynthesis.

 

Productivity in the Oceans Review

Now that you have learned about productivity in the oceans, check your knowledge. In this non-graded interactivity, follow the instructions on each question slide. Click SUBMIT to check your responses. Click the player button to begin.