Zooplankton are drifting aquatic consumers, including small animals. In the illustrative food web, the chosen zooplankton feed on algae and serve as prey for small fish; this assumed diet is not a claim about every kind of zooplankton.
Phytoplankton are drifting aquatic organisms that carry out photosynthesis, including many algae. They can supply food to zooplankton in an ecosystem.
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Plankton refers to a diverse group of tiny organisms that drift in ocean currents and other bodies of water. They are a vital part of the aquatic ecosystem and play a crucial role in the food web. Plankton is typically categorized into two main groups: 1. **Phytoplankton**: These are microscopic plant-like organisms, primarily algae, that carry out photosynthesis. They produce oxygen and serve as the primary producers in many aquatic ecosystems, forming the base of the food chain.