Zooplankton

Zooplankton are a type of plankton usually found in large bodies of water. They are heterotrophic (sometimes detritivorous) and are typically small, but not always microscopic. Zooplankton can include species of microorganisms such as bacteria and protozoa, or larger forms such as crustaceans and jellyfish.

Overview

Zooplankton are the second level in the food chain, serving as a food source for larger animals, such as fish and whales. They consume phytoplankton, the microscopic plants that form the base of the marine food chain, and are themselves consumed by larger animals. Zooplankton play a crucial role in the ocean's carbon cycle, as they consume carbon-containing phytoplankton and release it as carbon dioxide when they respire or when they are eaten.

Types of Zooplankton

Zooplankton are categorized into three main types: Protozoa, Copepods, and Jellyfish.

Protozoa

Protozoa are single-celled organisms that feed on organic matter. They are the most common type of zooplankton and can be found in almost all aquatic environments.

Copepods

Copepods are small crustaceans that are a major source of food for many fish species. They are the most numerous multicellular organisms in the water column.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish are larger zooplankton that are capable of movement independent of the current. They feed on other zooplankton and small fish.

See Also

• Phytoplankton
• Marine biology
• Aquatic ecosystem

References

Zooplankton Resources
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