Difference between Zooplankton and Phytoplankton

Summary

In this video, we explore plankton, the drifting organisms found in oceans and freshwater bodies. Two main types of plankton are discussed: zooplankton, which are animal drifters, and phytoplankton, the photosynthesizing plant-like organisms. Zooplankton, including the Antarctic krill, are crucial to aquatic food webs, serving as food for larger consumers like fish and whales. Phytoplankton, often called the 'grasses of the sea,' produce oxygen and form the foundation of marine and freshwater ecosystems. These tiny organisms are essential for both the food chain and oxygen production, making them vital to life on Earth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Plankton are organisms found in oceans and freshwater that drift with the current and cannot swim against it.
• 😀 There are two main types of plankton: ZOA plankton (animal drifters) and phytoplankton (plant drifters).
• 😀 ZOA plankton are usually microscopic but can include larger organisms like jellyfish.
• 😀 ZOA plankton play a critical role in aquatic food webs, serving as food for fish, whales, and other consumers.
• 😀 The Antarctic krill, a type of ZOA plankton, has one of the largest biomasses in the world.
• 😀 ZOA plankton feed on floating bacteria, phytoplankton, and sometimes other ZOA plankton.
• 😀 Phytoplankton are photosynthetic organisms found in the upper, sunlit layers of oceans and freshwater bodies.
• 😀 Phytoplankton are essential for producing oxygen through photosynthesis, similar to land plants.
• 😀 Phytoplankton are often referred to as the 'grasses of the sea' because they form the base of the aquatic food chain.
• 😀 Phytoplankton provide food for small marine organisms and are a crucial part of the ecosystem, supporting larger species.

Q & A

What are plankton?

Plankton are organisms found in the ocean and bodies of freshwater that drift with the current and cannot swim against it.

What are the two main types of plankton discussed in the video?

The two main types of plankton discussed are phytoplankton and zooplankton.

What does the term 'zooplankton' mean?

The term 'zooplankton' is derived from Greek words meaning 'animal drifter.'

What is the size range of zooplankton?

Most zooplankton are microscopic, though some can be larger, such as jellyfish.

Why are zooplankton important in marine ecosystems?

Zooplankton are important because they play a crucial role in aquatic food webs, serving as a food source for consumers like fish and whales.

What is a well-known example of zooplankton?

The Antarctic krill is a well-known example of zooplankton and has one of the largest biomasses of any species on Earth.

What do zooplankton eat?

Zooplankton feed on floating bacteria, phytoplankton, and even other zooplankton.

What does the term 'phytoplankton' mean?

The term 'phytoplankton' means 'plant drifter,' referring to photosynthesizing microscopic organisms found in the upper layers of oceans and freshwater bodies.

Why are phytoplankton important?

Phytoplankton are essential because they produce oxygen through photosynthesis, provide food for marine ecosystems, and form the base of the aquatic food chain.

Where are phytoplankton typically found?

Phytoplankton are found in the upper sunny layers of oceans and several bodies of freshwater on Earth.