Here's why:
* Abundance: Plankton, particularly microscopic organisms like diatoms, foraminifera, and radiolarians, are incredibly abundant in the ocean. Their vast numbers ensure a constant supply of organic material.
* Rapid Turnover: Plankton have short lifespans, leading to a rapid turnover of their skeletons and shells. This means a continuous deposition of biogenic material on the ocean floor.
* Hard Parts: Many plankton species have hard parts made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or silica (SiO2). These materials resist decomposition and can accumulate over time to form biogenous sediments.
While other organisms contribute to biogenous sediments, plankton's sheer numbers and the nature of their hard parts make them the primary contributors.
