GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Plankton are marine drifters-organisms carried along by tides and currents. The word “plankton” comes from the Greek for “drifter” or “wanderer.” An organism is considered plankton if it is carried by tides and currents, and cannot swim well enough to move against these forces.

Detailed explanation-2: -There are two main types of plankton: phytoplankton, which are plants, and zooplankton, which are animals. Zooplankton and other small marine creatures eat phytoplankton and then become food for fish, crustaceans, and other larger species.

Detailed explanation-3: -Phytoplankton are microscopic marine algae. In a balanced ecosystem, they provide food for a wide range of sea creatures. Phytoplankton, also known as microalgae, are similar to terrestrial plants in that they contain chlorophyll and require sunlight in order to live and grow.

Detailed explanation-4: -Zooplankton are tiny marine animals that drift with ocean currents and the winds. Many zooplankton can swim up and down the water column, but most are so small that they can’t swim strongly against the current. Zooplankton also include larvae, immature forms of larger marine animals.

Detailed explanation-5: -The term plankton is a collective name for all such organisms-including certain algae, bacteria, protozoans, crustaceans, mollusks, and coelenterates, as well as representatives from almost every other phylum of animals.