PLANKTON Meaning and
Definition
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Plankton refers to diverse organisms that inhabit freshwater and marine environments. It consists of small, often microscopic, organisms drifting or floating in bodies of water. The term "plankton" is derived from the Greek word "planktos," which means "wanderer" or "drifter." These organisms are unable to swim against currents and rely on water movement to carry them. Plankton can be classified into two main groups: phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Phytoplankton refers to tiny, photosynthetic organisms that are predominantly plant-like and provide the primary source of food and oxygen for other marine life. These microorganisms, including algae and bacteria, float near the water's surface and convert sunlight and nutrients into energy through photosynthesis.
Zooplankton, on the other hand, refers to small animals that drift or swim weakly within the water column. They rely on consuming other organisms, including phytoplankton, for their energy and nutrition. Zooplankton comprises a wide range of tiny creatures, such as crustaceans, jellyfish larvae, and small fish.
Planktonic organisms play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, serving as the foundation of food chains and supporting a diverse array of marine life. They are an essential part of the global carbon cycle, as they capture carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and release oxygen into the atmosphere. By studying plankton, scientists can gain valuable insights into the health and changes occurring in aquatic ecosystems, as these organisms are highly sensitive to various environmental factors such as temperature, water chemistry, and nutrient availability.
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A general term embracing all sea animals.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Top Common Misspellings for PLANKTON *
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Other Common Misspellings for PLANKTON
Etymology of PLANKTON
The word "plankton" comes from the Greek word "planktos", meaning "wandering" or "drifting". It was first used in the late 19th century by German biologist Victor Hensen to describe the microscopic organisms that drift freely in bodies of water, unable to swim against currents. The term was derived from the observation that these organisms are often at the mercy of water movements, passively carried wherever the currents take them.
Similar spelling words for PLANKTON
- planktonic,
- plank down,
- plunk,
- planakeen,
- planck,
- plank,
- palankeen,
- planoconvex,
- planas,
- planking,
- plonk.
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