Question

Which of the following are known as Chief producers in the ocean?
(a) Cyanobacteria
(b) Dinoflagellates
(c) Euglenoids
(d) Diatoms

Answer 1

Hint: These are a widespread group and may be found within the oceans, in freshwater, in soils, and on damp surfaces. They are the only organism on the earth with cell walls composed of transparent, opaline silica.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
Phytoplankton is the producer in the ocean. Diatoms belong to the class of phytoplankton which are known as chief producers in the ocean. The food chain in a marine ecosystem depends on it. Thus, diatoms have left behind a large amount of cell wall deposits in their habitat; this accumulation over billions of years is referred to as ‘diatomaceous earth’. Being gritty this soil is widely used for polishing, filtration of oils, and syrups.
Diatoms are a type of protist, a microscopic organism, The specialty of diatoms that make them remarkable is they have shells made from organic compounds and silica. These shells are left behind when a diatom dies. Diatomaceous earth is formed, which is a mineral that is formed from fossilized diatom shells, and this is mined for several industrial purposes. The product of diatoms, diatomaceous earth, is typically used, and also the living diatoms are also useful.
Some Uses:
1) Diatomaceous earth can be ground into a fine powder that looks and feels very similar to talcum powder. This powder can be used for pest control.
2) Typically, diatomaceous earth is used to polish materials that are soft or easily damaged and is often used to polish metal. Occasionally, it is used in toothpaste. Diatomaceous earth is a good abrasive for cleaning the skin and is sometimes used in soaps and other bath products.
3) A very common use for diatoms is for filtration. The fine structures of diatom shells can trap foreign particles in fluids, such as dirt, lint, hair, and some other microscopic organisms.
So, the correct answer is, ‘(d) Diatoms.’

Note: Diatoms are unicellular eukaryotic microalgae that play important ecological roles on a worldwide scale. Diatoms are liable for 20% of world carbon fixation and 40% of marine primary productivity. Thus they're major contributors to global climate change processes and form a considerable basis of the marine food cycle.