Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
plankton
Noun
/’plæŋktən/
Definition
Plankton refers to the small and microscopic organisms that drift in water bodies, particularly oceans and freshwater environments.
Examples
- Phytoplankton produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
- The ocean is teeming with zooplankton that serve as food for larger marine animals.
Meaning
These organisms are crucial to the aquatic food web and can be classified into two main types: phytoplankton (plant-like) and zooplankton (animal-like).
Synonyms
- Microorganisms
- Aquatic life forms
- Drifters
