British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms

BSL Marine Species Glossary - Phytoplankton - definition

Translation:

Phytoplankton are very small plants found in the sea or any body of water. The sign for Phytoplankton incorporates part of the sign for photosynthesis, which is the process by which sunlight is converted into energy. Using photosynthesis, Phytoplankton are able to provide themselves with food and energy and as part of this process they absorb C0₂ and release oxygen. The amount of oxygen these organisms release collectively is massive - together they produce more than all the world's trees put together! Phytoplankton are a primary source of food for fish in the same way grass is for land animals. When they die, their bodies sink to the seabed and form layers. Phytoplankton are vitally important for the ecosystem. With plenty of sunlight they can grow very quickly and colour the oceans green in amounts large enough to be seen from space! However this can sometimes be a bad thing and can upset the ecological balance.