filtratörer

Filtratorer is a term used to describe organisms that feed by filtering small particles from water. This feeding strategy is common in aquatic environments, particularly in oceans, lakes, and rivers. Filtratorer play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by removing suspended organic matter and microorganisms, which helps to maintain water clarity and nutrient cycling.

There are many different types of filtratorer, ranging from microscopic zooplankton to large marine mammals. Examples include bivalve mollusks such as clams and oysters, which use their gills to capture food particles. Many species of fish, like herring and anchovies, also exhibit filter-feeding behavior. Invertebrates like sponges and cnidarians (e.g., corals) also employ filter-feeding mechanisms. Even some terrestrial animals, such as flamingos, have adapted to filter-feed in shallow water environments.

The efficiency of filter-feeding varies greatly among species, depending on the size and density of their filtering apparatus, as well as the characteristics of the water they inhabit. For instance, sessile filter feeders like barnacles rely on currents to bring food to them, while motile species actively move through the water, often creating currents themselves to draw in food. The process of filter-feeding can significantly impact the structure and dynamics of aquatic communities by influencing the abundance of plankton and the availability of food for other organisms.