An important piece of the stability of our planet:-http://wattsupwiththat.com/2013/02/13/the-war-on-bugs-affects-the-oceans-and-co2-exchange/#more-79589-"SAR11 has several unique characteristics, including the smallest known genetic structure of any independent cell. Through sheer numbers, this microbe has a huge role in consuming organic carbon, which it uses to generate energy while producing carbon dioxide and water in the process. SAR11 recycles organic matter, providing the nutrients needed by algae to produce about half of the oxygen that enters Earth's atmosphere every day.
 
This carbon cycle ultimately affects all plant and animal life on Earth"