Paradox of the Phytoplankton—An Overview

Abstract

This article reviews some of the literature which has contributed to our knowledge of the paradox of the plankton, a paradox originally proposed by Hutchinson (1961). I first examine the ecology of the phytoplankton with particular reference to the question of whether or not competition for a limited amount of nutrient occurs among aquatic unicellular algae. Here I include original data, which is of value to an examination of the idea of carbon as a limiting nutrient, at least to control of the higher taxonomic composition of phytoplankton. I second examine the evolution of the phytoplankton, for which we have little information, and conclude that it is time to learn more about the fundamental biology including the genetics and evolution of the algae composing the phytoplankton. Throughout this review, I freely comment on potential research endeavors, which I believe may enhance our knowledge of the ecology and evolution of the phytoplankton.

Key Words:

• Phytoplankton
• paradox
• ecology
• evolution