noun
- organisms that float or drift on the surface of water, including both plants and animals
Usage: biology; ecology; technical term
Examples
- The pleuston of the ocean includes jellyfish, floating seaweed, and other surface-dwelling organisms.
- Marine biologists study pleuston to understand the health of aquatic ecosystems.
- Pleuston communities are sensitive to changes in water temperature and pollution.
- The pleuston layer supports many small fish and crustaceans that feed on floating organisms.
- Sampling pleuston requires specialized nets designed to collect organisms from the water's surface.