Final answer:
Marine producers like algae engage in photosynthesis using dissolved carbon dioxide, producing over 50% of Earth's oxygen and affecting the global carbon cycle with implications for climate and ocean health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marine producers, like algae, use dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂) for photosynthesis. This vital process not only produces oxygen (O₂) that contributes to the breathable atmosphere but also forms complex organic compounds essential for marine food webs. Photosynthesis performed by organisms in the ocean, particularly phytoplankton, is significant as they release over 50% of Earth's oxygen. The exchange of carbon between the atmosphere and ocean affects global carbon levels massively, with implications for climate change and ocean health, including ocean acidification.
In the marine ecosystem, photosynthesis plays a crucial role in regulating the concentration of atmospheric CO₂ and maintaining the balance of life-sustaining elements. The process essentially involves the use of light energy to convert CO₂ and water into glucose, which serves as an energy source for marine organisms, and oxygen, which is a byproduct. This cycle not only supports the vast marine life but directly affects human welfare by impacting the air we breathe and the climate we depend on.