When observing one Drop of sea water under a microscopea window opens on an extraordinarily rich and dynamic world, populated by a myriad of microscopic organisms. This microcosm, invisible to the naked eye, represents the basis of the whole Marina food chain.
Among the most fascinating creatures that can be encountered are the diatomeemicroscopic algae enclosed in elegant shells of silicasimilar to small glass sculptures. These organisms, belonging to the phytoplanktonplay a crucial role in the photosynthesisconverting sunlight into energy and producing oxygen.
Next to them swim the zooplanktonmicroscopic animals that feed on the phytoplankton. Among these, the best known are the Copepodestiny crustaceans that quickly dart in the water, contributing to the circulation of nutrients.
No, the drip of water has not been enlarged 25 times
A famous photographic shot immortalized this incredible marine biodiversity. Contrary to what is spread by many viral posts, however, the image It does not show a single drop of water enlarged 25 times. It is actually the content of a “Hand -to -mesh dive”a marine sampling technique that collects a concentration of plankton.
The sample was photographed with an enlargement of only 2xusing a Petri capsule 60 mm filled with about 15-20 drops of water. The photo, which became viral online, was taken in 2006 off Hawaiian coaston board the Nave Noaa Oscar Elton Sette, by the photographer David LiittSchwager.
Within this image they are clearly distinguished cyanobacteria, fish larvae, crab eggs, marine worms and other forms of life belonging to bothOloplacton (permanent residents of the water column) both al meroplacton (organisms that live in suspension only for a part of their life cycle).
This photograph, which has also become the subject of scientific studies and international publications, reminds us how much it is The microscopic life in the oceans intricate and precious. Every small particle in motion within that sample represents a fundamental piece of the marine ecosystem, without which. A small world that, despite its daily invisibility, supports the balance of the entire planet.
