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About this quote

What does it mean?
Without small absorptive creatures, the ocean would be vastly deeper and more expansive.
In plain terms
Small things have a big impact on how much space things take up.
What can you take from it?
Minor elements can drastically change the scale of a system.

Where it applies

  • discussing environmental roles
  • explaining scale
  • humorous biology facts

Putting it to work

  • teaching ecology
  • illustrating cumulative effects

Questions to consider

  • What small things shape your world?
  • How do minor changes affect big systems?

Another view

The statement is scientifically nonsensical but highlights perspective.

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