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Plankton, including phytoplankton and zooplankton, play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. Phytoplankton, which are plant-like organisms, produce oxygen through photosynthesis and are the foundation of the marine food web. They are eaten by small zooplankton, which in turn are food for larger zooplankton and fish. Plankton support the entire marine food chain, from small organisms to whales. They also contribute to the biological carbon pump, drawing down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the deep sea. Plankton are sensitive to changes in temperature, nutrients, light, and acidity, and shifts in their populations can have cascading effects on the entire marine ecosystem.