phytoplankton

[ fahy-tuh-plangk-tuhn ]

noun

1. the aggregate of plants and plantlike organisms in plankton.

phytoplankton

/ ˌfaɪtəˈplæŋktən; ˌfaɪtəplæŋkˈtɒnɪk /

noun

1. the photosynthesizing organisms in plankton, mainly unicellular algae and cyanobacteria Compare zooplankton

phytoplankton

/ fī′tō-plăngk′tən /

1. Plankton consisting of free-floating algae, protists, and cyanobacteria. Phytoplankton form the beginning of the food chain for aquatic animals and fix large amounts of carbon, which would otherwise be released as carbon dioxide.

Derived Forms

• phytoplanktonic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phytoplankton¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; phyto- + plankton

Example Sentences

Domoic acid is a neurotoxin released by Pseudo-nitzschia, a common phytoplankton species found in coastal waters.

From Los Angeles Times

Domoic acid, which is an amino acid, is not always produced by the phytoplankton.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s also a perfect recipe for creatures like sardines and anchovies, who feast on the diatoms, algae and phytoplankton in these cool, nutrient-rich waters.

From Los Angeles Times

“We are measuring what's been happening in the upper ocean with the phytoplankton, the plants that grow there. We are looking at the little zooplankton, the animals that eat them. And we've been measuring the fecal pellets, the poo that the animals produce,” Stephanie explained.

From BBC

The researchers do not yet know how the phytoplankton and zooplankton have been affected by this.

From Science Daily