Meroplankton
Meroplankton
Meroplankton (/ˈmɛroʊˌplæŋktən/) is a term used in Aquatic ecology to describe organisms that are planktonic for a portion of their life cycle, but not all. The term is derived from the Greek words 'meros' meaning part and 'planktos' meaning wandering or drifting.
Etymology
The term 'Meroplankton' is derived from the Greek words 'meros' (part) and 'planktos' (wandering or drifting). It was first used in the early 20th century to describe organisms that spend only a portion of their life cycle in the planktonic phase.
Definition
Meroplankton includes a wide variety of organisms, including both animals and plants. These organisms spend a portion of their life cycle in the planktonic phase, typically the larval stage, and the rest of their life cycle as either benthic or nektonic organisms. Examples of meroplankton include many species of cnidarians, crustaceans, mollusks, echinoderms, and fish.
Related Terms
- Plankton: Organisms that live in the water column and cannot swim against a current. They provide a crucial source of food to many large aquatic organisms, such as fish and whales.
- Zooplankton: A type of plankton consisting of small animals and the immature stages of larger animals.
- Phytoplankton: A type of plankton consisting of microscopic plants.
- Holoplankton: Organisms that are planktonic for their entire life cycle.
- Benthos: Organisms that live on, in, or near the seabed, also known as the benthic zone.
- Nekton: Aquatic animals that are able to swim and move independently of water currents.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Meroplankton
- Wikipedia's article - Meroplankton
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