Eläinplanktonia

Eläinplanktonia, also known as zooplankton, refers to small, typically microscopic animals that inhabit the pelagic zone of oceans and bodies of fresh water. These organisms play a crucial role in marine and freshwater ecosystems, serving as a vital food source for larger animals, including fish, and contributing to the overall health and productivity of aquatic environments. Zooplankton are diverse in size and form, ranging from protozoans and small crustaceans to jellyfish and small fish. Their size typically falls between 0.02 and 20 millimeters, although some species can be larger. Zooplankton are categorized into several groups based on their size and structure, including protozoans, rotifers, copepods, and cladocerans. They are primarily heterotrophic, feeding on phytoplankton, bacteria, and other small particles. Zooplankton are also important indicators of water quality and environmental health, as their abundance and diversity can reflect the overall condition of an aquatic ecosystem. Their life cycles vary widely, with some species living for only a few days, while others can persist for several months. Zooplankton are a critical component of the food web, linking primary producers (phytoplankton) to higher trophic levels, and their dynamics are influenced by factors such as temperature, nutrient availability, and predation.