Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
zooplankton
noun
/ˌzoʊəˈplæŋktən/
Definition
Small, often microscopic animals that float or drift in water, particularly in oceans and freshwater environments.
Examples
1. Zooplankton play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by converting phytoplankton into organic material that larger animals can consume.
2. Scientists study zooplankton populations to assess the health of marine environments.
3. During a plankton tow, researchers collected samples of zooplankton to analyze their biodiversity.
Meaning
Zooplankton are aquatic organisms that are an important part of the food chain. They include various species, from tiny crustaceans to larval fish, and serve as a food source for larger animals.
Synonyms
- plankton
- microfauna
- drifting animals
