Planctónicos

Planctónicos refers to organisms that are part of the plankton. Plankton are small, often microscopic, organisms that drift in bodies of water, unable to swim effectively against currents. The term "plankton" comes from the Greek word "planktos," meaning "drifting" or "wanderer." Planctónicos can be found in both freshwater and saltwater environments, from the surface of the ocean to the depths of lakes. They form the base of many aquatic food webs, serving as a food source for larger animals.

The classification of planctónicos is broad and encompasses a wide variety of life forms. They are generally divided into two main categories: phytoplankton and zooplankton. Phytoplankton are plant-like organisms, primarily microscopic algae, that produce their own food through photosynthesis. They are responsible for a significant portion of the Earth's oxygen production. Zooplankton, on the other hand, are animal-like organisms. This group includes larval stages of many larger animals, such as fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, as well as free-living protozoa and small invertebrates like copepods and jellyfish.

The distribution and abundance of planctónicos are influenced by various environmental factors, including light availability, nutrient concentrations, temperature, and water currents. Changes in these conditions, often driven by climate change or pollution, can have profound impacts on planktonic populations and, consequently, on the entire aquatic ecosystem. Studying planctónicos is crucial for understanding the health and dynamics of aquatic environments.