Zooplankton

Definition

Zooplankton are microscopic organisms that drift in aquatic environments, serving as a crucial part of the food web. They primarily feed on phytoplankton and are a key food source for larger marine animals such as fish and whales.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zooplankton play a vital role in nutrient cycling within aquatic ecosystems.
2. They can be found in both freshwater and marine biomes.
3. Common types of zooplankton include protozoans, small crustaceans like copepods, and the larval stages of larger animals.
4. Their population dynamics can be influenced by factors such as water temperature, salinity, and availability of phytoplankton.
5. Zooplankton contribute to the biological pump by helping transport carbon from the surface to deeper waters.

Review Questions

• What is the primary role of zooplankton in aquatic ecosystems?
• Name three common types of organisms classified as zooplankton.
• How do zooplankton contribute to the process known as the biological pump?

Related terms

Phytoplankton:

Microscopic plants that form the base of the aquatic food web.

Nutrient Cycling:

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter.

Biological Pump: Process by which carbon is transported from the ocean's surface to its depths by living organisms.