The Basics
What are plankton?
A plankton is a drifter- a living organism that cannot swim against a current
What is a base of a marine food web?
A producer
Where can you find plankton in the world?
Marine ecosystems
True or False: Plankton can swim against an ocean current
False: an organism that can swim against a current is called nekton
What is the difference between meroplankton and holoplankton?
Meroplankton are plankton for a mere portion of their life, holoplankton are plankton for their whole life?
How do phytoplankton get their food?
They make their own food using photosynthesis
What kind of water do plankton need to survive?
Salt water
True or False: Meroplankton and Holoplankton are types of Phytoplankton
False: They are zooplankton!
What are the two types of plankton?
Phytoplankton and zooplankton
How does a zooplankton get its food?
It eats its food (phytoplankton)
Where in the water column are plankton located?
Surface waters
True or False: Plankton cannot move
False: plankton can move small distances but cannot swim against a current
Are all plankton microscopic?
No- an example of this are jellyfish, with the largest being 120 ft from bell to end of tentacles.
What kinds of animals eat plankton?
Crabs, Clams, Whales, etc.
Where can you find the largest example of plankton in the world?
The Lions Mane Jellyfish off the coast of Antarctica
True
What kind of plankton is Plankton from SpongeBob?
A Copepod
Describe photosynthesis: identify the input, energy source, and output
Sunlight + C02 = Oxygen + Glucose
How can plankton help the world? Give at least 2 reasons
2. Base of the marine food web
3. Cleaner waters by taking in the extra carbon
4. They're super awesome
True