A feeding method where organisms strain small particles, plankton, or nutrients from water through specialized structures. Filter feeders include whales, clams, sponges, and many other aquatic animals.
Compound term combining 'filter' from Medieval Latin 'filtrum' (felt used for straining) and 'feeding' from Old English 'fedan'. The biological term emerged in the 19th century as scientists studied aquatic feeding mechanisms.
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