Ocean Ecology

Microscopic algae in the ocean, vital for producing much of Earth's oxygen, depend on iron to fuel photosynthesis, according to new research from Rutgers University. When iron is limited, these phytoplankton waste energy, potentially disrupting marine food chains amid climate change. Field studies in the Southern Ocean highlight how this micronutrient shortage could lead to declines in krill and larger marine animals like whales and penguins.