地球的力量

Although phytoplankton are microscopic,
虽然浮游植物比针尖还小
they're one of the most important forms of life on Earth.
它们是地球上最重要的一种生命形式
To understand just how important they are,
为了更清楚地了解它们究竟多重要

take a look at them from space.
让我们从太空中看看它们
Just off the British Isles, large patches of the sea
不列颠诸岛上一大片的海域
are stained light green by millions upon millions
都被无数的单个浮游植物染成了绿色
of individual phytoplankton, known as blooms.
这种现象被称作水花区
These blooms appear around the world's oceans.
这些水花区出现在世界海洋里
And it's because phytoplankton are so abundant that they can affect the whole planet.
因为浮游植物数量巨大 它们可以影响到整个星球
Without phytoplankton in the oceans,
海洋里如果没有浮游植物
there wouldn't be any fish or turtles swimming around.
就不会有任何鱼和海龟游来游去
Phytoplankton is the first meal in the ocean food chain.
浮游植物是海洋生物链的第一个环节
But surprisingly,as well as being a primary source of nourishment for creatures in the sea,
但是令人惊奇的是 这些小有机体不但是海洋生物营养的主要来源
these tiny organisms help all animals on Earth to breathe.
它们还帮助地球上的动物呼吸

重点讲解

1、individual
个别的;单独的
They wait for the group to decide rather than making individual decisions.
他们等待团体作决定而不是各自作出决定。
Aid to individual countries would be linked to progress towards democracy.
对个别国家的援助会与其民主进程相挂钩。
个体;个人
anonymous individuals who are doing good things within our community.
一些在我们社区内做好事却不留名的个人
the rights and responsibilities of the individual.
个人的权利和责任
独特的;有个性的
It was really all part of her very individual personality.
那其实都是她独特个性的表现。
The language is highly individual.
语言非常独特。
2、abundant
大量的；丰富的；充足的
There is an abundant supply of cheap labour.
廉价劳动力供应充足。
Birds are abundant in the tall vegetation.
高大的植被中有着大量的鸟类。
3、affect
影响;使改变
Nicotine adversely affects the functioning of the heart and arteries.
尼古丁会对心脏及动脉功能造成损害。
More than seven million people have been affected by drought.
已有超过700万的民众受到旱灾的影响。
（感情上）打动，震动，使悲伤（或怜悯）
The divorce affected Jim deeply.
离婚对吉姆打击很大。
Gregor loved his sister, and her loss clearly still affects him.
格雷戈尔爱他的姐姐，她的去世显然仍令他悲伤不已。