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How phytoplankton function and survive in the ocean
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frustule

biology
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How phytoplankton function and survive in the ocean
How phytoplankton function and survive in the ocean Learn about phytoplankton, plantlike types of microscopic algae that live suspended in bodies of water such as oceans. The term phytoplankton comes from the Greek words phyton (ā€œplantā€) and planktos (ā€œwanderingā€). Examples of planktonic algae include diatoms and dinoflagellates.

A frustule is the two-valved, siliceous shell of a diatom. Diatoms are microscopic, single-celled organisms found in all of Earth's waters and are important food sources for many aquatic animals.12

The frustule is like a pillbox, made of overlapping halves called the epitheca and hypotheca. These shells have intricate patterns and are made of silica. Diatoms reproduce through cell division, which can lead to a decrease in the size of individual diatoms over time. Spore formation helps restore them to their original size. Fossilized diatoms form diatomaceous earth, used in filters, insulation, and paints.2

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  2. diatom

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