micropedophagous
Micropedophagy refers to the consumption of microscopic organisms, typically by larger organisms, as a primary or supplementary food source. This feeding behavior is widespread across various biological taxa, including protists, fungi, invertebrates, and some vertebrates. The term derives from the Greek words *mikros* (meaning "small") and *pedon* (meaning "child" or "offspring"), though in this context, it more accurately reflects the scale of the prey rather than any familial relationship.
Many microorganisms, such as bacteria, algae, and protozoa, serve as critical micropedophagous prey. Organisms that feed
In aquatic ecosystems, micropedophagy plays a vital role in nutrient cycling. Zooplankton, such as copepods and
While micropedophagy is a natural and ecologically significant process, it can also have implications in human
Research into micropedophagy helps scientists understand food webs, ecosystem dynamics, and the evolutionary strategies of organisms