Unit 2 - Marine Primary Producers

Essential Questions

1. How are marine primary producers described in science?

2. How is the distribution of marine primary produces influenced by ecological factors?

3. How do marine primary producers impact the ecosystem and the economy?

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Key Concepts:

1. Multicellular marine macro algae are mostly benthic organisms that are divided into three major groups according to their photosynthetic pigments.

2. The distribution of seaweeds depends not only on the quantity and quality of light, but also on a complex or other ecological factors.

3. Marine algae supply food and shelter for many marine organisms.

4. Flowering plants that have invaded the sea exhibit adaptations for survival in saltwater habitats.

5. Seagrasses are important primary producers and sources of detritus, and they provided habitat for many animal species.

6. Salt marsh plants and mangroves stabilize bottom sediments, filter runoff from the land, provide detritus, and provide habitat for animals.