Definition of «plankton»

Usage examples

1. Plankton form the base of the marine food chain, providing nutrients for larger organisms such as fish, whales, and sharks.
2. Phytoplankton, a type of plankton, are responsible for approximately half of the world's oxygen production through photosynthesis.
3. Plankton populations are highly susceptible to changes in temperature, pollution, and ocean acidification, making them important indicators of ecosystem health.
4. Some species of plankton, like dinoflagellates, can produce bioluminescence, creating glowing displays in the ocean at night.
5. Plankton can be divided into two main categories: phytoplankton, consisting of microscopic plants, and zooplankton, which are tiny animals that feed on phytoplankton.
6. Despite their small size, plankton are incredibly diverse, with thousands of different species found in both freshwater and marine environments.
7. Plankton is not only found in oceans but also in lakes, ponds, and rivers, playing a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems as well.
8. Research on plankton can help scientists understand and predict the impact of climate change on marine and freshwater systems.
9. Plankton blooms, which occur when their population rapidly increases, can have both positive and negative effects on ecosystems, such as harmful algal blooms causing fish kills and red tides.
10. The study of plankton has led to the discovery of numerous compounds with potential pharmaceutical and industrial applications, such as anti-cancer drugs and biofuels.