Browsing: Plankton

Plankton are a diverse group of microscopic organisms that drift or float in the ocean, seas, and bodies of fresh water. They are primarily divided into two categories: phytoplankton, which are photosynthetic and include algae and cyanobacteria, and zooplankton, which are typically tiny animals or the larval stages of larger animals. Phytoplankton are crucial to aquatic ecosystems as they form the base of most aquatic food webs, producing organic compounds through photosynthesis that serve as food for marine and freshwater species. Zooplankton, on the other hand, feed on phytoplankton and other microscopic food sources, bridging the energy transfer from primary producers to larger predatory organisms, including fish and marine mammals. The distribution and abundance of plankton are influenced by environmental factors such as water temperature, salinity, and nutrient availability, making them sensitive indicators of changes in water quality and climate conditions.