What are plankton?

Plankton refers to a diverse group of organisms that live in water and are unable to swim against the flow of currents. This characteristic defines them distinctly from other aquatic creatures that can maneuver actively. Plankton are typically microscopic or small, and they include both phytoplankton (plant-like organisms) and zooplankton (animal-like organisms). They serve as a crucial part of aquatic ecosystems, forming the base of the food web, as many marine animals rely on plankton for sustenance. The inability to swim against currents means that plankton drift with the water, relying on their surroundings for movement and dispersal, making them integral to nutrient cycling in aquatic environments.