Plankton Facts

1.Phytoplankton produce 80% of Earth's oxygen.

2.One type of phytoplankton, diatoms, are single-celled algae. They are the most important food source in the ocean.

3.The other type of phytoplankton, dinoflagellates, possess both plant and animal traits. They photosynthesize like plants and swim like simple animals.

4. Zooplankton are split into two categories as well. Meroplankton, such as eggs and larvae, are temporary zooplankton.

5. Holoplankton, such as jellyfish, are zooplankton that are in the floating state for their entire lives.