Tiny creatures known as diatoms could have a huge impact on the planet if, as scientists fear, they become less able to absorb carbon dioxide as the climate warms.

Diatoms, a major group of eukaryotic algae, currently take in nearly one-fourth of the world’s carbon dioxide. However, their carbon-sucking abilities depend on the amount of nutrients in their watery habitats. And that’s where problems could arise as the globe warms, according to Elena Litchman, a professor of zoology at Michigan State University.

“On a global scale, increased ocean temperatures could make the ocean more stratified,” Litchman said. “This would cause less mixing and create stronger nutrient limitation and less frequent nutrient pulses. A change like this would select for different sizes of diatoms. If smaller sized diatoms dominate, then carbon sequestration becomes less efficient and there may be more CO₂ remaining in the atmosphere, which would exacerbate global warming.”

Looks like Bruce Springsteen is once again proved right: “From small things, mama, big things one day come.”

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