Tiny Titans: The Big Story of Plankton (How Nature Works)

Book excerpt: Discover the enormous world of some of the planet’s tiniest creatures—and the giant job they do in our ecosystem. From zooplankton to phytoplankton, these small-scale superheroes are the foundation of the ocean’s food chain, keep our climate in check, generate up to fifty percent of the oxygen produced on the planet each year—and much more. Stunning microscopic photos and primary source research provide a seldom seen look at these dynamic drifters. “Science interpreter,” Mary Cerullo, dives into the wet world of plankton, and takes a deep look at the good and the bad, the tiny and even tinier. Readers will discover even the smallest actors can make a big difference. Glossary and informative sidebars included.