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What did Martin believe to be overcrowding the ocean's upper layers, limiting iron's reach?
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Answer
Phytoplankton, microscopic marine algae, was identified by Martin as the culprit behind the limited availability of iron in the upper layers of the ocean. These organisms consume iron, causing it to sink to the depths, making it inaccessible to phytoplankton near the surface. This phenomenon restricts primary production in the nutrient-poor surface waters, affecting the entire marine ecosystem.
Exploring the Depths: The John Martin Quiz
More Questions
The idea Martin proposed has what potential effect on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels?
Which of these is an important phytoplankton nutrient that Martin studied?
Martin's research on iron in oceans led to which important hypothesis?
Martin was vital in demonstrating that iron limitation could explain what ocean phenomenon?
What experimental project directly followed from Martin's hypothesis?
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