All you need to know about these drifting organisms
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15:34 min
What are plankton?
Plankton are organisms that freely drift with winds and currents. The name 'Plantkon' comes from the Greek word planktos meaning wanderer or drifter.
What is the difference between phytoplankton and zooplankton?
Phytoplankton are plant-like and zooplankton are animal-like. Phytoplankton produce their own food and like plants they use photosynthesis. Zooplankton feed on smaller phytoplankton like algae.
Are all plankton bioluminiscent?
Some, not all, plankton are bioluminiscent like the Noctiluca scintillans, or the sea sparkle, which is responsible for "glow-in-the-dark" beaches.
About the Authors
Rachana Rao
is a marine biologist with Nature Conservation Foundation, working on seagrass species organization and community assembly in the meadows of the Andaman archipelago.
