Phytoplankton are single-celled grasses which are found In seas. They maintain the balance of the food chain in the Southern Ocean by nourishing and sustaining the same.
They are an Indispensable element of the ecosystem of Antarctica because they synthesise organic compounds by assimilating carbon through photosynthesis. Thu,s they have a major role in maintaining the environmental balance. Climate change has already drastically affected in the working process of these planktons. Scientists have warned with the rise of ozone depletion its functioning too will be affected. This will have manifold impact which includes a direct repercussion on the marine animals and birds of the region and also on global carbon cycle. This will disrupt the entire ecosystem as the carbon balance would not be maintained. Therefore, planktons are a vital component of our environment.