noun
- microscopic plant organisms that drift in oceans, seas, and freshwater and form the base of aquatic food chains
Usage: usually used as a mass noun (uncountable); scientific/technical term
Examples
- Phytoplankton produce much of the oxygen we breathe through photosynthesis.
- The ocean's phytoplankton are essential to marine ecosystems.
- Blooms of phytoplankton can turn the water green or red.
- Fish and other aquatic animals depend on phytoplankton for food.
- Scientists study phytoplankton to understand ocean health and climate change.
- Nutrient pollution can cause excessive phytoplankton growth in lakes.