Q28.6-1CC Justify the claim that photosynt... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 28: Q28.6-1CC (page 613)

Justify the claim that photosynthetic protists are among the biosphere鈥檚 most important organisms.

Short Answer

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Photosynthetic protists are important elements of both aquatic as well as terrestrial ecosystems. These organisms are referred to as autotrophs because they use carbon dioxide and energy from the sunlight to produce food.

They are beneficial to all ecosystems as they provide food and produce oxygen that is essential for survival.

Step by step solution

Protists

Protists are eukaryotic organisms. These can be unicellular and multicellular. The nucleus houses the genetic material called DNA. These organisms are found living in aquatic habitats or damp places.

Protists as photosynthetic organisms

Protists are producers that can perform photosynthesis. Photosynthesis increases due to a rise in the concentration of organic compounds like nitrogen and phosphorous in the habitat. They are added due to the extensive use of fertilizers.

Role of protists in the ecosystem

Protists are important components of the biosphere as they perform about 20% of photosynthesis.These protists are found at the base of the food web; hence they help maintain a balance in the aquatic ecosystem by providing food and oxygen essential for their survival, thereby helping the ecosystem.

These organisms also form mutualistic and parasitic associations with other organisms underwater. It creates a dynamic balancing between the number of organisms.