noun
- Plural of phytoplankton; microscopic plant-like organisms that drift in oceans and freshwater and form the base of aquatic food chains.
Usage: Often used as a mass noun (phytoplankton) in scientific contexts, but the plural form phytoplanktons is also standard.; Biology/ecology term
Examples
- Phytoplanktons are essential producers in marine ecosystems.
- The ocean's phytoplanktons convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
- Blooms of phytoplanktons can sometimes turn the water green or red.
- Fish and other aquatic animals depend on phytoplanktons for food.
- Scientists study phytoplanktons to understand ocean health and climate change.