ASL STEM

Definition

The plant members of the plankton community, which are the primary producers of the oceans. Phytoplankton include taxonomic groups such as the cyanobacteria, diatoms, dinoflagellates, and many more.

Source: Invitation to Oceanography 5th ed. Pinet, Paul. R.

Example

Phytoplankton require both macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus and micronutrients such as iron, copper, manganese, zinc, and copper.