Why do we need to study protoplankton and phytoplankton?

The biodiversity of protoplankton and phytoplankton is very high. For example, experts think that there may be more than 10 million types (species) of diatoms, just one group of phytoplankton. But people still do not completely understand why there are so many species of these microscopic organisms in natural waters.

Ecologists suspect that high diversity confers ecological flexibility, the ability to handle climate and other environmental changes without dramatic impact on entire food chains and webs. If one food source declines, there are many potential substitutes. High diversity is Nature's fail-safe plan for emergencies. It is in our own best interests to preserve good water quality and fisheries. For this reason, humans need to understand, appreciate, and protect microbial diversity in natural waters.