Plankton

Front

What are krill?

Back

Krill are small shrimp-like crustaceans that live in dense groups and serve as a crucial food source for many baleen whales.

Front

What does the term 'plankton' mean?

Back

The term 'plankton' means 'drifter' or 'wanderer', referring to organisms that drift in water currents.

Front

What nutrients can cause harmful algal blooms (HABs) when added to water?

Back

Nitrogen and phosphorus are the limiting nutrients that can lead to harmful algal blooms when introduced into aquatic environments.

Front

True or False: Photosynthetic organisms in the ocean produce at least 50% of the oxygen we breathe.

Back

True.

Front

What type of plankton are comb jellies (ctenophores)?

Back

Comb jellies (ctenophores) are classified as zooplankton.

Front

What is phytoplankton?

Back

Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that live in water and perform photosynthesis, producing oxygen and serving as a primary food source in aquatic ecosystems.

Front

What is zooplankton?

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Zooplankton are small, often microscopic animals that drift in water and feed on phytoplankton and other small organisms.

Front

What role do plankton play in aquatic ecosystems?

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Plankton are essential for aquatic ecosystems as they form the base of the food web, supporting a wide range of marine life.

Front

What is the difference between phytoplankton and zooplankton?

Back

Phytoplankton are plant-like organisms that photosynthesize, while zooplankton are animal-like organisms that consume other organisms.

Front

What are harmful algal blooms (HABs)?

Back

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are rapid increases in the population of algae in water bodies, often caused by excess nutrients, leading to negative ecological and health effects.