What does phytoplankton mean?
Phytoplankton are microscopic, photosynthetic organisms, especially algae, that live suspended in water. Although individually tiny, they are among the most important producers in aquatic ecosystems: through photosynthesis, they convert sunlight and dissolved nutrients into organic matter. This material supports food webs from zooplankton and shellfish to fish, seabirds, and whales. Phytoplankton are also major contributors to Earth's oxygen production and to the global carbon cycle, because some of the carbon they absorb is carried into the deep ocean. Their abundance and composition can change rapidly in response to light, temperature, nutrients, and other environmental conditions. Consequently, scientists study phytoplankton blooms, seasonal changes, and long-term shifts as important indicators of ocean health and climate change.
nounPhytoplankton are photosynthetic microorganisms, chiefly algae, that drift or move weakly through water and form a fundamental part of aquatic food webs. They produce organic matter through photosynthesis and support organisms ranging from tiny zooplankton to fish and larger marine animals.
- Any of various photosynthetic microorganisms, chiefly algae, that are suspended or move weakly in water and serve as producers in aquatic ecosystems.
"A bloom of phytoplankton in the bay caused the water to turn green."
"Marine phytoplankton support an immense food web beneath the surface of the ocean."
"Researchers measured changes in phytoplankton abundance as the water warmed."
The plural is uncommon and is used mainly when referring to distinct groups or classifications of phytoplankton; singular mass usage is normally preferred.
"The researchers compared the two phytoplanktons under different nutrient conditions."
The tiny organisms called phytoplankton produce much of the oxygen in Earth's oceans and form the biological foundation of marine food webs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of phytoplankton
The word combines the combining form “phyto-,” from Greek phyton, meaning “plant,” with “plankton,” from Greek planktos, meaning “wandering” or “drifting.” The term developed in scientific usage during the early 20th century to distinguish photosynthetic plankton from zooplankton and other drifting organisms. Its elements also appear in words such as phytology, phytogeography, and phytome.
How phytoplankton is actually used
Phytoplankton is primarily a scientific and ecological term. It is usually treated as a mass noun in the singular, although the plural form “phytoplanktons” is occasionally used when referring to groups or taxa.
Easily confused with phytoplankton
Phytoplankton are photosynthetic members of the plankton, whereas plankton includes all organisms that drift passively in water, including non-photosynthetic forms.
Phytoplankton produce organic matter through photosynthesis, while zooplankton are generally animal organisms that feed on phytoplankton or other plankton.