The Power Of Poop

The Power Of Poop

4/6/2014

link

http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2014/04/03/298778615/the-power-of-poop-a-whale-story

summary

This article highlights the importance of whale feces, or specifically, the poop of whales that live deep in the ocean. The feces of these whales, known as "whale pump," contains vital nutrients that support the growth of phytoplankton, an essential component of marine ecosystems. The article discusses a study that found the positive impact of whale pump on phytoplankton growth, ultimately leading to increased carbon capture from the atmosphere. It also explores the role of whales as ecosystem engineers, emphasizing the interconnectedness and delicate balance of marine life. The article sheds light on the ecological significance of whale poop and its contribution to mitigating climate change.

tags

marine biology ꞏ whale excrement ꞏ fecal matter ꞏ ecosystem ꞏ nutrient cycling ꞏ ocean conservation ꞏ marine ecology ꞏ marine life ꞏ marine ecosystems ꞏ marine animals ꞏ whale poop ꞏ marine mammals ꞏ whale biology ꞏ animal waste ꞏ nutrient enrichment ꞏ ocean health ꞏ nutrient-rich ꞏ marine food chain ꞏ marine nutrients ꞏ marine organisms ꞏ whale behavior ꞏ whale feeding ꞏ ecological impact ꞏ marine conservation ꞏ marine research ꞏ whale migration ꞏ marine biodiversity ꞏ marine environment ꞏ marine species ꞏ marine science ꞏ marine ecosystem services ꞏ nutrient recycling ꞏ marine nutrient cycle ꞏ marine nutrient dynamics ꞏ fishery management ꞏ marine pollution ꞏ marine resources ꞏ whale conservation ꞏ marine zoology ꞏ marine microbiology ꞏ whale ecology ꞏ oceanography ꞏ marine environmental science ꞏ marine microbiome ꞏ marine nutrient cycling ꞏ marine nutrient exchange ꞏ environmental impact ꞏ marine nutrient supply ꞏ marine nutrient availability ꞏ marine nutrient balance ꞏ marine nutrient flux ꞏ marine nutrient transport