Epiplankton

/ˌɛpɪˈplæŋktən/ noun

Definition

Plankton organisms that live on the surface of water or attached to the upper layers of the ocean.

Etymology

From Greek 'epi' (upon) + 'plankton' (wandering), referring to organisms found upon or at the surface layer of aquatic environments.

Kelly Says

Epiplankton represents a crucial layer in marine ecosystems—these surface-dwelling organisms are often the first to capture sunlight and feed the entire ocean food web below them.

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