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The high diversity of phytoplankton has puzzled biological oceanographers for a long time. There are over 200,000 species of of these tiny marine plants that use sunlight and nutrients to grow and reproduce at the ocean's surface. (Courtesy of Samantha DeCuollo,University of Rhode Island)

Ocean plants have adapted to living in the marine environment and can vary from single cell organisms to thick forests of kelp. These plants are an important food source for invertebrates and fish, they provide oxygen to surrounding marine life, and they support many marine creatures by providing refuge and nursery grounds.

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Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton are primary producers of the ocean—the organisms that form the base of the food chain. WHOI explores the microscopic, single-celled organisms.

seagrass

Seagrass Meadows

Seagrass meadows are plants adapted to live a completely submerged life in the salty shallows.

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