Plankton are organisms that drift in water (or air) but are unable to actively propel themselves against currents (or wind). [1][2] Marine plankton include drifting organisms that inhabit the saltwater of …

Plankton, marine and freshwater organisms that, because they are nonmotile or too small or weak to swim against the current, exist in a drifting state. Plankton is the productive base of both marine and …

The word “plankton” comes from the Greek for “drifter” or “wanderer.” An organism is considered plankton if it is carried by tides and currents, and cannot swim well enough to move against these …

Aug 15, 2025 · Plankton, the microscopic organisms that form the basis of the marine food web, produce half of the Earth’s oxygen and absorb up to 40% of the global carbon emissions.

Aug 24, 2025 · Plankton are a diverse collection of tiny organisms that drift within water bodies, unable to propel themselves against currents. The term originates from the Greek word for “wanderer” or …

Jan 23, 2026 · Plankton are essential to marine ecosystems, serving as the foundation of food webs and indicators of ocean health, yet they face significant threats from environmental stressors like climate …

What is plankton? Plankton are a collection of tiny organisms that live at and beneath the surface of lakes, rivers, ponds, and oceans across the planet.