Plankton

5 Things That I Have Learned About Plankton

1. There are three main ways plankton use to keep from sinking.

- Spikes/Projections (large surface area)

- They produce oil

- Air-filled Floats

2. Two types of plankton being the Diatoms and Dinoflagellates compete in the source of food in the ocean. Diatoms are the number one source of food making Dinoflagellates number two.

3. Holoplankton vs. Meroplankton

Holoplankton - plankton their whole life

Meroplankton - exist as plankton for only a limited part of their development. Usually starting off as Larva. 

4. The most organic matter in the sea comes from plankton. Nearly all other marine creatures depend on it as a source of food.

5. Phytoplankton vs. Zooplankton

Phytoplankton- need to be near the surface, where light is available for photosynthesis. (plant plankton)

Zooplankton- need to be near the surface to feed upon the phytoplankton. (animal plankton)