zooplankton

1 7.4

Very small animals that drift in water, like tiny shrimp or baby fish

noun
/ˈzuːoʊˌplæŋktən/

Specialized

: zooplancton

During the summer, the abundance of zooplankton increases, attracting many fish species that depend on them.
zooplankton abundance
zooplankton population
zooplankton richness

The researchers say that this resembles effects which have been observed in bacteria cells and zooplanktons, but also insects, birds and fish.

Examples

Many of the freshwater and marine zooplankton are nearly transparent.

Academic text (2010)
Finally, marine animals like zooplankton, the grazers of the seas, may be involved.

Academic text (2003)
Imagine the zooplankton rising and falling as the planet turns.
The flooded areas soon contain large numbers of larval and juvenile fish, which feed primarily on zooplankton.

Academic text (2009)
The embryos hatch within a few days and become larvae, which feed on the abundant zooplankton.

Academic text (2009)
His research examines the feeding behavior of freshwater zooplankton and their interactions with blue-green algae.

Academic text (1995)
The decline of the cod stock has increased the zooplankton-eating Atlantic herring population, perhaps further increasing phytoplankton biomass.

Academic text (2006)
In the ocean, small animals called zooplankton drift through the water, providing food for larger fish.
Scientists study the behavior of zooplankton to understand their role in aquatic ecosystems.

Surface Forms

zooplankton singular

zooplanktons plural

Morphology

zooplankton = zoo + plankton (transparent) = zoo + plankton

The compound combines the combining form 'zoo-' (animal) with 'plankton' (drifting organisms), yielding a straightforward meaning 'animal plankton' for learners who know 'plankton'.

Etymology

Zooplankton joins zoo- ('animal'), the same start as zoo, and plankton ('drifter'). So, it means small animals that drift in water.