Plankton
/ˈplæŋkˌtɑn/noun
Plankton are small and microscopic organisms that live in water and float in the sea or in other bodies of water.
Phytoplankton produce oxygen and serve as primary producers in aquatic food chains.
Often appears as...
- marine plankton
- freshwater plankton
Usage tips
Neutral
primary producers, aquatic organisms, marine life
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Contextual Understanding
When discussing ecosystems, 'plankton' refers to both the autotrophs (like algae) that produce energy and heterotrophs (like small animals) that consume them.
In discussions about ocean health and biodiversity, 'plankton' is crucial to understand the food web.
Pro Tip 2/3Scientific and Technical Use
In scientific literature, 'plankton' is categorized into phytoplankton and zooplankton, highlighting their different roles in the environment.
Discussions in ecology often involve the role of plankton in carbon cycling and climate change.
Pro Tip 3/3Common Misconceptions
Many people think of plankton solely as large organisms, but most are microscopic.
Understanding that plankton includes both plant-like and animal-like organisms clarifies their ecological importance.
Compare with
phytoplanktonzooplanktonbacteriacoral
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