Zooplankton

Definition

Zooplankton are heterotrophic plankton that drift in aquatic environments. They include various unicellular eukaryotic organisms, many of which can be parasitic.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zooplankton often serve as intermediate hosts for various parasitic life cycles.
2. Many zooplankton are protozoans, including species like radiolarians and foraminiferans.
3. They play a crucial role in aquatic food webs, serving as prey for larger organisms.
4. Some zooplankton can reproduce both sexually and asexually, adapting to diverse environmental conditions.
5. Certain zooplankton species can act as vectors for diseases affecting fish and other marine life.

Review Questions

• What role do zooplankton play in the life cycles of some parasitic organisms?
• Name two types of protozoan zooplankton and their significance.
• How do zooplankton contribute to aquatic food webs?

Related terms

Phytoplankton: Photosynthetic plankton that form the base of many aquatic food webs.

Protozoa: A diverse group of unicellular eukaryotic organisms, some of which are parasitic.

Radiolarians: A type of protozoan zooplankton known for their intricate silica skeletons.