Plankton

Plankton are very small living things that drift in water. Most are so tiny you need a microscope to see them. They live in oceans, lakes, and rivers all over the world. Plankton are super important food for fish and whales.

Two Kinds of Plankton

There are two main kinds of plankton. Plant-like plankton are called phytoplankton and make their own food from sunlight. Animal-like plankton are called zooplankton and eat other plankton. Both kinds float along with the water currents. They cannot swim against strong waves.

Why Plankton Matter

Plankton are the base of the ocean food chain. Small fish eat plankton, and bigger fish eat those small fish. Even huge blue whales eat tiny plankton called krill. Plankton also make much of the oxygen we breathe. Without them, the oceans would be empty.

Fun Facts

• The word 'plankton' comes from a Greek word meaning 'wanderer'.
• Some plankton glow blue at night and light up the waves.
• A single drop of sea water can hold thousands of plankton.

Did You Know?

Plankton make about half of all the oxygen on Earth, which is more than all the forests combined.