Planktonists

Planktonists are individuals who study plankton. Plankton are microscopic organisms that drift in bodies of water, comprising both phytoplankton (plant-like) and zooplankton (animal-like). The study of plankton, known as planktology, is a branch of marine biology and limnology. Planktonists investigate the distribution, abundance, behavior, and ecological roles of these organisms in various aquatic environments, including oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers.

Their research often involves collecting plankton samples using nets and other specialized equipment. These samples are then analyzed under microscopes to identify different species and assess their populations. Planktonists also study the environmental factors that influence plankton communities, such as temperature, salinity, nutrient levels, and light availability. Understanding plankton is crucial because they form the base of most aquatic food webs and play a significant role in global biogeochemical cycles, including the carbon cycle. Changes in plankton populations can be indicators of environmental health and climate change.