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See all on WikipediaPlankton - Wikipedia
Plankton are the diverse collection of organisms that drift in water (or air) but are unable to actively propel themselves against currents (or wind). The individual organisms constituting plankton are called plankters. In the ocean, they provide a crucial source of food to many small and large aquatic organisms, … See more
The name plankton was coined by German marine biologist Victor Hensen in 1887 from shortening the word halyplankton from Greek ᾰ̔́λς háls "sea" and πλανάω planáō to "drift" or "wander". While some forms … See more
Plankton are also often described in terms of size. Usually the following divisions are used:
Group Size range (ESD) Examples Megaplankton > 20 cm metazoans; e.g. jellyfish; ctenophores; salps and pyrosomes (pelagic … See moreMarine plankton
Marine plankton includes marine bacteria and archaea, algae, protozoa and drifting or floating animals that inhabit the saltwater of oceans and the brackish waters of estuaries.
Freshwater plankton See moreFood chain
As well as representing the lower levels of a food chain that supports commercially important fisheries, plankton ecosystems play a role in the biogeochemical cycles of many important chemical elements, including the ocean's See morePlankton are primarily divided into broad functional (or trophic level) groups:
• Phytoplankton (from Greek phyton, or plant) are autotrophic prokaryotic or eukaryotic algae that live near the water surface where there is sufficient light to support See moreGelatinous zooplankton
Gelatinous zooplankton are fragile animals that live in the water column in the ocean. Their delicate bodies … See moreApart from aeroplankton, plankton inhabits oceans, seas, lakes and ponds. Local abundance varies horizontally, vertically and seasonally. The … See more
Wikipedia text under CC-BY-SA license Plankton | Definition, Characteristics, Types, Diet, Size, …
Jan 9, 2025 · Plankton are organisms that drift in water and form the base of marine and freshwater food chains. Learn about the different types of …
What are plankton? - NOAA's National Ocean Service
Plankton are microscopic or small organisms that drift with the currents and cannot swim well. They include plants (phytoplankton) and animals (zooplankton) that are essential for the marine food web and climate.
What Is Plankton? Definition and Examples - Science …
Mar 29, 2023 · Plankton are organisms that drift with water or wind currents and include plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Learn about the different categories, feeding strategies, and roles of plankton in ecosystems and …
Plankton, explained - National Geographic
Learn about plankton, the tiny organisms that float in water and form the base of the ocean food web. Discover the different types of plankton, their roles, threats, and impacts on the planet.
Plankton: Small Organisms with a Big Role in the Ocean
Aug 9, 2019 · Learn about plankton, the tiny plants and animals that drift in the ocean and produce oxygen and support marine food webs. Find out how plankton are threatened by climate change and ocean acidification, and what you can …
Plankton - National Geographic Society
Oct 19, 2023 · Learn about plankton, the microscopic organisms that form the base of the marine food web and produce oxygen through photosynthesis. Find out the types, roles, and threats of plankton in freshwater and seawater …
Plankton Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of PLANKTON is the passively floating or weakly swimming usually minute …
Marine ecosystem - Plankton, Microbes, Zooplankton
Nov 27, 2024 · Plankton are microscopic or small organisms that drift in the ocean and form the basis of the marine food web. Learn about the different groups of plankton, their roles in photosynthesis, consumption, and marine …
What is plankton and why is it so important? - KS2 …
Plankton is the name given to a collection of tiny sea life that lives in the ocean. These minute organisms may be small, but they have a big role to play in maintaining the health of our...
