An introduction to plankton
In: Santhanam, P.; Begum, A.; Pachiappan, P. (Ed.) (2019). Basic and applied phytoplankton biology. Springer Nature Singapore: Singapore. ISBN 978-981-10-7937-5; e-ISBN 978-981-10-7938-2. X, 336 pp. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-7938-2, more
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| Keywords |
Astaxanthin
Arthrospira Sitzenberger ex Gomont, 1892 [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
High Rate Algal Ponds (HRAPs), Copepods |
| Authors | | Top |
- Pachiappan, P.
- Santhanam, P.
- Begum, A.
- Balaji Prasath, B.
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| Abstract |
The word “plankton” is derived from the Greek word for drifting. Plankton are frequently described as organisms that drift on or near the surface of the water and are unable to swim sufficiently strongly to move toward tides, winds, or currents. This description is not strictly true, in that many planktonic organisms, even very small individuals, can propel themselves for very long distances in water columns in very short periods of time. Many planktonic organisms are single-celled plants, called phytoplankton, while others are single-celled animals, known as zooplankton. However, a few organisms referred to as plankton are the embryonic or juvenile forms of larger organisms, including fish and invertebrates. Planktonic organisms are inhabited in nearly all aquatic ecosystems and play a crucial role in aquatic food webs. |
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