Science
Algal bloom
A rapid increase in the population of algae. algal bloom. An algal bloom is when algae grow quickly in water, often causing the water to become discolored.
Autotroph explained in an easy to understand way.
Autotroph
An organism that uses energy from the sun to produce its own food, like plants. Autotroph. An autotroph is a living thing that makes its own food using sunlight or chemicals, such as plants.
Brevetoxin
A cyclic polyether compounds neurotoxin produced by a species of phytoplankton brevetoxin. Brevetoxin is a potent toxin produced by algae that can harm marine life and cause health issues in humans.
Carbon cycle
The biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the Earth's spheres carbon cycle. The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon moves through the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.
Chlorophyll explained in an easy to understand way.
Chlorophyll
The green pigment in plants that uses light energy for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the substance in plants that helps them make food using sunlight.
Chloroplast explained in an easy to understand way.
Chloroplast
The plant organelle that uses light energy to make food. Chloroplast. Chloroplasts are parts of plant cells where photosynthesis happens, turning sunlight into energy.
Cyanobacteria
A taxon of bacteria which conduct photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are microorganisms that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, often called blue-green algae.
Decomposition explained in an easy to understand way.
Decomposition
The chemical breakdown of a substance into simpler substances. Decomposition. It's when complex materials break down into simpler parts, like a fallen leaf turning into soil.
Enzyme explained in an easy to understand way.
Enzyme
A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in cells. Enzyme. An enzyme is like a helper that makes chemical reactions happen faster in living things.
Harmful algal bloom
Contains organisms that can severely lower oxygen levels in natural waters. Harmful algal bloom. A harmful algal bloom is a rapid increase of algae in water, which can produce toxins and deplete oxygen, harming aquatic life.
Light explained in an easy to understand way.
Light
Electromagnetic energy that travels in waves, not all light is in the visible spectrum. Light is a form of energy that we can see with our eyes.
Microorganism explained in an easy to understand way.
Microorganism
A very small organism that can only be seen with a microscope, like bacteria. Microorganism. Microorganisms are tiny living things that are too small to be seen with the naked eye and include bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Ozone explained in an easy to understand way.
Ozone
A molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, it blocks UV rays. Ozone is a gas in Earth's atmosphere that protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Pathogen explained in an easy to understand way.
Pathogen
A disease-causing agent, like a bacteria, virus, or parasite. pathogen. A pathogen is a tiny organism that can make you sick.
Photic zone explained in an easy to understand way.
Photic zone
The upper ocean with sunlight. photic zone. The photic zone is the top layer of the ocean where sunlight penetrates, allowing photosynthesis to occur.
Photosynthesis explained in an easy to understand way.
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make food. Photosynthesis. It is how plants make their own food using sunlight.
Phytoplankton explained in an easy to understand way.
Phytoplankton
Microscopic, photosynthetic organisms that float near the waters surface, like algae. Phytoplankton are tiny plants in the ocean that produce oxygen and serve as the base of the marine food chain.
Pigment explained in an easy to understand way.
Pigment
A colored chemical compound that absorbs some colors of light and reflects others. Pigment. In simple terms, a pigment is a substance that gives color to other materials by absorbing some wavelengths of light and reflecting others.
Primary productivity
The production of chemical energy by living organisms. primary productivity. Primary productivity is the process by which plants and other photosynthetic organisms produce energy-rich compounds like sugars using sunlight.
