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Plankton: meaning, definitions and examples

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plankton

 

[ หˆplรฆล‹k.tษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

marine biology

Plankton refers to a diverse collection of microscopic organisms that drift in the water column of oceans, seas, and freshwater bodies. These tiny creatures include both phytoplankton, which are plant-like and produce energy through photosynthesis, and zooplankton, which are animal-like and feed on other plankton. Plankton form the base of the aquatic food web, serving as essential food sources for larger organisms such as fish and whales. Their populations can be affected by a variety of environmental factors, including temperature, light, and nutrient availability.

Synonyms

aquatic organisms, drifters, microorganisms

Examples of usage

  • Phytoplankton are crucial for oxygen production.
  • Fish larvae often feed on zooplankton.
  • Plankton populations fluctuate seasonally.

Translations

Translations of the word "plankton" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น plรขncton

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฒเคตเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Plankton

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ plankton

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะปะฐะฝะบั‚ะพะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ plankton

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ—ใƒฉใƒณใ‚ฏใƒˆใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท plancton

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ plancton

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท plankton

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ”Œ๋ž‘ํฌํ†ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุนูˆุงู„ู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ plankton

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ plankton

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆตฎๆธธ็”Ÿ็‰ฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ plankton

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ plankton

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะปะฐะฝะบั‚ะพะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒšแƒแƒœแƒ™แƒขแƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ plankton

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ plancton

Etymology

The term 'plankton' originates from the Greek word 'planktos', which means 'that which is made to wander' or 'drifter'. It was first used in the early 20th century to describe the diverse group of organisms that inhabit water columns and are too small to swim against currents. The classification of plankton has evolved over the years, encompassing a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, algae, and small animals. Today, plankton is recognized as a vital component of aquatic ecosystems, influencing both the biological and chemical processes in marine environments. Research has shown that changes in plankton populations can have significant effects on global carbon cycles and climate change. As such, studying plankton has become increasingly important in the fields of oceanography and environmental science.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,483, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.