noun
- organisms that live at or near the surface of a body of water
Usage: biology; ecology
Examples
- The neuston includes water striders and other insects that live on the water’s surface.
- Marine biologists study neuston to understand surface water ecosystems.
- Oil spills can severely damage neuston communities in affected areas.
- The pond’s neuston consisted mainly of algae and small arthropods.
- Researchers collected neuston samples using specialized surface nets.