meroplankton
- noun
- /ˌmɛrəˈplæŋktən/
- Specialized
- The pelagic larvae known as meroplankton usually drift in the ocean for weeks before they settle on the seafloor.
Examples
-
Many fish species start their life as meroplankton while floating in coastal waters.
-
Studying meroplankton helps scientists understand the early life stages of various marine organisms.
-
For example, greater diversity of predators could increase the likelihood that meroplankton will suffer from predation.
Academic text (2000) -
The effects of meroplankton grazing on phytoplankton are expected to be considerable.
Academic text (2000) -
Whether increases in meroplankton are responsible for the decline in holoplankton is impossible to determine without experimental data, but the pattern raises interesting questions about above- and below-SWI linkages.
Academic text (2000) -
Meroplankton, the pelagic larvae that are produced by many macrobenthic species in coastal areas, remain in the plankton for hours, weeks, or even months, depending on the taxon.
Academic text (2000) -
The meroplankton on continental shelves often dominate the holoplankton (wholly planktonic organisms) during a large part of the year, and different species tend to peak at different times of year, particularly in the spring and autumn, when phytoplankton blooms occur.
Academic text (2000)
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Meroplankton comes from the Greek parts mero- ('part') and plankton ('drifter'), so think of a creature that only drifts for a part of its life. That's why meroplankton are animals that live as plankton only during part of their life cycle, usually when they are young.
