zooplanktoni

Zooplankton is a diverse group of microscopic animals that drift in bodies of water. The term "zooplankton" refers to both the larval and adult stages of many animals, including crustaceans, jellyfish, copepods, and tiny fish. These organisms are found in all oceans and freshwater environments. They are a crucial part of aquatic ecosystems, serving as a primary food source for larger marine life such as fish, whales, and seabirds.

The size of zooplankton varies greatly, from microscopic protozoa measuring less than a micrometer to larger jellyfish that can span several meters. Their distribution and abundance are influenced by factors such as water temperature, salinity, nutrient availability, and ocean currents. Zooplankton are broadly categorized into two main groups: meroplankton, which are planktonic only during a specific life stage (like larval fish or crabs), and holoplankton, which spend their entire lives in the water column (like copepods and krill).

Their life cycles are often complex, with many undergoing significant transformations from their larval to adult forms. Zooplankton play a vital role in the marine food web and in biogeochemical cycles. For example, some zooplankton contribute to the biological pump, a process that transports carbon from the surface to the deep ocean. Studying zooplankton is essential for understanding the health and dynamics of aquatic environments.