Primary Producers Plants and Plant-like Organisms

Prokaryotes The simplest, most primitive forms of life No nucleus No membrane bound organelles

Multicellular Algae Flowering Plants Primary Producers Bacteria Protist Protozoans Fungi

Bacteri a Prokaryotic and microscopic Single cell –usually rod shaped w/cell wall and plasma membrane Lacks microscopically visible organelles Smallest living creatures on earth

Heterotrophic Bacteria Heterotrophs – gather energy from other creatures Decomposers –break down waste and dead organic matter Found all over the ocean Especially abundant in bottom sediment

Autotrophic Bacteria Make their own organic compounds Some are photosynthetic – derive energy from sunlight. Some are chemosynthetic – derive energy from releasing energy stored in chemical compounds. Found all over

Cyano bacteria (Blue-Green Algae) Photosynthetic bacteria Contain chlorophyll and phytcocyanin Photosynthesis takes place on membranes within the cell Usually microscopic but visible in chains Some species form red tides

Protista Unicellular algae which is eukaryotic Plant-like and animal- like Cells have membranes, organelles and chloroplasts (photosynthetic) Lack flowers, true leaves stems and roots

Diatoms - Protista Unicellular, may form chains Unique “glassy” cell wall Carotenoid pigments Live in temperate and polar regions Planktonic - Slowly glide on surfaces Reproduce asexually If conditions are right, blooms may occur

Dinoflagellates - Protista Unicellular and planktonic 2 Flagella Most have stiff cell wall,have chlorophyll and can ingest food Found in warm and (2 nd most popular)cold climates Reproduce asexually Some can produce light (bioluminescence)

Protozoans Eukaryotic, unicellular Animal like – ingest food Some do photosynthesize Single cell Inhabit water everywhere

Foraminiferans - Protozoans Also called forams Single cell Have a shell made of CaCO 3 Bottom dwellers, either free or attached Foraminiferan Ooze - Dead or detached shells covering the ocean bottom

Radiolarians - Protozoans Planktonic Secrete shells made of glass Spherical shape Inhabit ocean ocean Radiolorian ooze

Ciliates - Protozoans Have hair like cilia which is used to move and feed Found in sea and fresh water May live on or in other water organisms.

Fungi Eukaryotic Plant-like, but unable to perform photosynthesis Most are multi- cellular Many are decomposers Some are parasites

Multicellular Algae : The Seaweeds Eukaryotic Complex structures compared to unicellular algae Can grow tall and rise off the bottom

Structure of Seaweeds Holdfast The complete body is known as the thallus. Stipe Pneumatocyst

Green Algae – Multicellular algae Mostly found in freshwater, some marine Mostly unicellular Typically bright green

Brown Algae – Multicellular Algae Olive green to dark brown color Mostly marine Most complex and largest seaweeds Kelp forests

Grow in cool, nutrient rich waters Form of brown algae Can grow to be 100 feet in length Harvested to make chemical to help manufacture medicines, plastics, beauty aids, paper, clothing, and processed foods Giant Kelp

Red Algae – Multicellular Algae More species than green and brown combined They have red pigments called phycobilins which mask chlorophyll Most species are red Mostly marine but, some live in fresh water Significant commercial importance to humans Coraline algae – deposite CaCO 3

Flowering Plants Angiosperms –Have true leaves, stems and roots –Specialized tissue to transport water nutrients and food –Mangroves and seagrasses –Usually only roots covered by water at high tide.

Mangroves Found in tropical and subtropical areas Tolerate a wide range of salinity Protect the area from storm surges, erosion, and tsunamis Wide variety of types of mangroves exist