see all translations uk jiËld us jiËld c2 t to supply or produce something positive such as a profit an amount of food or information an attempt to yield increased profits the investigation yielded some unexpected results favourable weather yielded a good crop
Phytoplankton are microscopic marine plants. P hytoplankton, also known as microalgae, are similar to land-based plants in that they contain chlorophyll and require sunlight in order to live and grow. Most phytoplankton are buoyant and float in the upper part of the ocean, where sunlight penetrates the water. Phytoplankton also require inorganic nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates, and sulfur which they convert into proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
The term phytoplankton encompasses all photoautotrophic microorganisms in aquatic food webs. Phytoplankton serve as the base of the aquatic food web, providing an essential ecological function for all aquatic life.