ScienceJuly 15, 2026
coccolithophore
/ˌkɒkəˈlɪθəˌfɔːr/
Definition
A type of microscopic, single-celled marine phytoplankton that is covered in reflective plates made of calcium carbonate.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Greek 'kokkos' (berry or seed) and 'lithos' (stone), combined with the suffix '-phore' (bearing). It reflects the organism's unique physical structure of carrying stone-like, calcified plates.
In the news
In this article, coccolithophores are described as the cause of the Black Sea's bright turquoise color, as their reflective shells scatter sunlight when they bloom in massive numbers. Their ability to be observed from space makes them an important indicator for scientists monitoring ocean ecosystems.
NASA captured the Black Sea turning brilliant turquoise from space
Read the full article ↗ScienceDaily