Plankton are organisms that drift in water (or air) but are unable to actively propel themselves against currents (or wind). [1][2] Marine plankton include drifting organisms that inhabit the saltwater of …

Plankton, marine and freshwater organisms that, because they are nonmotile or too small or weak to swim against the current, exist in a drifting state. Plankton is the productive base of both marine and …

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 …

Mar 29, 2023 · Learn what plankton is. Get the definition and examples of different types of plankton and discover their ecological importance.

Aug 15, 2025 · Plankton, the microscopic organisms that form the basis of the marine food web, produce half of the Earth’s oxygen and absorb up to 40% of the global carbon emissions.

Aug 24, 2025 · Plankton are a diverse collection of tiny organisms that drift within water bodies, unable to propel themselves against currents. The term originates from the Greek word for “wanderer” or …

What is plankton? Plankton are a collection of tiny organisms that live at and beneath the surface of lakes, rivers, ponds, and oceans across the planet.

Jan 23, 2026 · Plankton, though often overlooked, are fundamental components of marine ecosystems that sustain life and maintain ecological balance. These microscopic organisms, primarily comprising …

Apr 18, 2011 · When you go swimming in a lake or in the ocean, each stroke pushes you past billions upon billions of microscopic creatures called plankton. It was a German scientist named Viktor …

Jan 23, 2026 · Plankton are essential to marine ecosystems, serving as the foundation of food webs and indicators of ocean health, yet they face significant threats from environmental stressors like climate …