Plankton Review

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What are diatoms?

Back

Diatoms are a type of phytoplankton, which are microscopic algae that are autotrophic and perform photosynthesis.

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What is holoplankton?

Back

Holoplankton are organisms that spend their entire life cycle as plankton.

Front

What is zooplankton?

Back

Zooplankton are small, often microscopic animals that drift in water and are heterotrophic, feeding on phytoplankton and other organic matter.

Front

What are the two main types of plankton?

Back

The two main types of plankton are phytoplankton (plant-like) and zooplankton (animal-like).

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What does autotrophic mean?

Back

Autotrophic refers to organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

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What does heterotrophic mean?

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Heterotrophic refers to organisms that cannot produce their own food and must consume other organisms for energy.

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What is meroplankton?

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Meroplankton are organisms that spend only a part of their life cycle as plankton, typically in their larval stages.

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What role do phytoplankton play in the ecosystem?

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Phytoplankton are primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, forming the base of the food web and producing oxygen through photosynthesis.

Front

What is the significance of zooplankton in the food web?

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Zooplankton serve as a crucial food source for larger marine animals, including fish and whales, linking primary producers to higher trophic levels.

Front

What are nekton?

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Nekton are actively swimming aquatic animals that can move against currents, such as fish and squid.