What is a coccolithophore?

A coccolithophore (or coccolithophorid, from the adjective) is a unicellular, eukaryotic phytoplankton ( alga ). They belong either to the kingdom Protista, according to Robert Whittaker ‘s Five kingdom classification, or clade Hacrobia, according to the newer biological classification system.

Is coccolithophore eukaryotic or prokaryotic?

A coccolithophore (or coccolithophorid, from the adjective) is a unicellular, eukaryotic phytoplankton (alga). They belong either to the kingdom Protista, according to Robert Whittaker’s Five kingdom classification, or clade Hacrobia, according to the newer biological classification system.

What do coccoliths lack in size they make up in volume?

What coccoliths lack in size they make up in volume. At any one time a single coccolithophore is attached to or surrounded by at least 30 scales. Additional coccoliths are dumped into the water when the Coccolithophores multiply asexually, die or simply make too many scales.

Do coccolithophores support the Great calcite belt hypothesis?

“The contribution of coccolithophores to the optical and inorganic carbon budgets during the Southern Ocean Gas Exchange Experiment: New evidence in support of the “Great Calcite Belt” hypothesis”. Journal of Geophysical Research. 116 (C4): C00F06.

Do fish eat coccolithophores?

Many of the smaller fish and zooplankton that eat normal phytoplankton also feast on the Coccolithophores. In nutrient-poor areas where other phytoplankton are scarce, the Coccolithophores are a welcome source of nutrition.

Why do Coccolithophore blooms reflect light?

Coccolithophore blooms reflect nearly all the visible light that hits them. Since most of this light is being reflected, less of it is being absorbed by the ocean and stored as heat.