Zooplankton are drifting aquatic organisms that obtain energy by feeding on other organisms. This lesson introduces their defining features, compares them with phytoplankton, and explains why the boundary between these groups is not always clear.
The word zooplankton combines Greek roots meaning animal and drifter. Plankton are aquatic organisms that cannot swim effectively against currents. They may move themselves to some extent, but currents in oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers largely determine where they go.
All flashcards
What are zooplankton?
Zooplankton are drifting aquatic organisms that obtain food heterotrophically, although some can also photosynthesize or use other feeding modes.
What does heterotrophic mean?
Heterotrophic organisms obtain energy and carbon by consuming other organisms or organic matter instead of making all their own food.
How do zooplankton and phytoplankton commonly differ?
Zooplankton generally consume other organisms, whereas many phytoplankton use photosynthesis to make organic matter.
What is mixotrophy?
Mixotrophy is the use of more than one way to obtain energy or carbon, such as combining photosynthesis with prey consumption.
What are holoplankton and meroplankton?
Holoplankton remain planktonic throughout their life cycle. Meroplankton are planktonic for only part of their lives before developing into another form or settling.
Quiz questions
What pattern does the temperature-size rule describe for many ectotherms?Answer: They tend to reach larger adult sizes in colder environments.
What can researchers learn from MOCNESS or BIONESS systems that open nets at selected depths?Answer: How plankton communities differ among distinct depth ranges.
What information does CUFES associate with plankton samples collected while a vessel travels?Answer: Sample time and position, along with environmental sensor readings.
What is the biological pump?Answer: The movement of carbon from surface waters toward the deep ocean through biological activity and sinking organic material.
What can happen to gelatinous zooplankton carcasses after they die?Answer: They can sink and provide organic matter to deep-sea and bottom-dwelling organisms.
Based on the Wikipedia article Zooplankton, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.