Planktonic

Planktonic refers to the organisms that inhabit the water column of oceans, seas, and bodies of fresh water and that are unable to swim against the current. The individual organisms constituting plankton are known as plankters. They provide a crucial source of food to larger, more familiar aquatic organisms such as fish and whales.

Types of Planktonic Organisms

Planktonic organisms are primarily divided into broad functional (or trophic level) groups:

• Phytoplankton: These are the autotrophic (self-feeding) components of the plankton community and a key part of oceans, seas and freshwater basin ecosystems. They are responsible for much of the oxygen present in the Earth’s atmosphere – half of the total amount produced by all plant life.

• Zooplankton: These are tiny heterotrophic (other-feeding) organisms that range from microscopic organisms to large species, such as jellyfish. They are the initial food source for most marine animals.

• Bacterioplankton: These include bacteria and archaea, which play an important role in remineralising organic material down the water column (marine snow).

Importance of Planktonic Organisms

Planktonic organisms play a crucial role in the food chain, serving as the primary producers in aquatic ecosystems. They are responsible for producing a significant portion of the world's oxygen and also play a key role in the carbon cycle, as they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic material.

Threats to Planktonic Organisms

Changes in temperature and acidity due to climate change can have significant impacts on planktonic organisms. Increased ocean temperatures can lead to changes in plankton distribution and abundance, while ocean acidification can affect the ability of certain planktonic organisms to form shells.

Planktonic Resources
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