What is plankton? Indicate the major taxonomic groups that are commonly represented in marine plankton. Outline the trophic roles of marine plankton.

Question 1

What is plankton?

Answer 1

• Plankton definition- organisms living in the water column that are unable to maintain their position against water currents.

Question 2

What are the major taxonomic groups of plankton?

Answer 2

• All major groups are represented prokaryotes, fungi, protists, plants and animals
• Plankton are characterised in various roles including:
o General trophic roles (phytoplankton or zooplankton)
o Size

Question 3

Outline the major taxonomic roles

Answer 3

• Phytoplankton = photosynthetic plankton (includes prokaryotes and eukaryotes)
• Smaller photoplankton are primary producers and are eaten by larger plankton (zooplankton) then form the basis for the next stage of the food chain.