Definition
Zooplankton are heterotrophic plankton. Plankton are organisms drifting in oceans, seas, and bodies of fresh water. The word zooplankton is derived from the Greek zoon, meaning "animal", and planktos, meaning "wanderer" or "drifter".
Zooplankton are a critical element in the food chain and are preyed upon by every filter-feeding organism in Rhode Island waters, including shellfish, fish, and whales. The baleen whales feed entirely on zooplankton, especially one species in particular called krill. Copepods and other zooplankton feed on phytoplankton and are the first link between the primary producers and larger animals. They are by far the most abundant group of animals in the world's oceans.
Zooplankton are heterotrophic plankton. Plankton are organisms drifting in oceans, seas, and bodies of fresh water. The word zooplankton is derived from the Greek zoon, meaning "animal", and planktos, meaning "wanderer" or "drifter".
Life History and Behavior
Zooplankton migrate vertically in the water column each day, feeding on the phytoplankton, small floating plants such as algae, near the surface of the water. Zooplankton have adapted various mechanisms to float in the water column and protect themselves from predation. Some, such as larval crustaceans, have spikes that protect them and allow more surface area for better flotation. Some species of fish larvae have oil globules that give them added buoyancy.Zooplankton are a critical element in the food chain and are preyed upon by every filter-feeding organism in Rhode Island waters, including shellfish, fish, and whales. The baleen whales feed entirely on zooplankton, especially one species in particular called krill. Copepods and other zooplankton feed on phytoplankton and are the first link between the primary producers and larger animals. They are by far the most abundant group of animals in the world's oceans.
Special Notes
- Large numbers of zooplankton can be killed by increases in water temperature that are common near factory outfall pipes.