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New research reveals that Prochlorococcus, a crucial phytoplankton vital to marine life and climate regulation, will likely decline significantly as ocean temperatures rise. A study in Nature Microbiology projects a potential 50% reduction in tropical oceans within 75 years if surface waters exceed 82°F (27.8°C). This decline, impacting the base of the marine food web, could have severe consequences for biodiversity and fisheries. The findings challenge previous assumptions and highlight the urgent need to curb greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change on this keystone species.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.