What Produces 70% of Earth's Oxygen?

Photosynthesizing algae in the ocean produce approximately 70% of the Earth's oxygen.

Marine algae, also known as phytoplankton, are microscopic plants that live in the ocean. Through the process of photosynthesis, these tiny organisms convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. This process is incredibly significant, as it contributes a substantial portion of the oxygen we breathe.

Several sources indicate that marine algae are responsible for a significant portion (around 70%) of the oxygen in Earth's atmosphere. While trees and other land plants also contribute, the sheer abundance and productivity of marine algae make them the dominant oxygen producers.

• High Productivity: Phytoplankton are incredibly abundant and reproduce rapidly, leading to vast oxygen production.
• Global Distribution: They are found throughout the world's oceans, maximizing their oxygen-producing potential.
• Photosynthesis Efficiency: Phytoplankton are highly efficient at photosynthesis, converting sunlight into oxygen effectively.

Other Contributors

It's important to note that while marine algae are the major contributor, other organisms such as land plants, and bacteria also participate in oxygen production. However, their contribution is significantly less than that of oceanic phytoplankton. Estimates vary, with some sources suggesting that marine plants contribute between 50-80% of the Earth's oxygen.

References: Multiple sources, including NOAA, National Geographic, scientific articles and online Q&A sites, consistently point to marine algae/phytoplankton as the primary source of approximately 70% of the oxygen in Earth's atmosphere. These sources support the significance of ocean plants in producing oxygen for the Earth’s atmosphere.