Definitions
- Referring to small, shrimp-like crustaceans that are a primary food source for many marine animals. - Talking about the tiny creatures that form massive swarms in the ocean. - Describing the small, translucent organisms that are an important part of the marine food chain.
- Referring to the diverse group of small organisms that float or drift in the ocean. - Talking about the microscopic plants and animals that form the base of the marine food web. - Describing the tiny organisms that are carried along by ocean currents and tides.
List of Similarities
- 1Both are small organisms that live in the ocean.
- 2Both are important components of the marine food chain.
- 3Both can be found in large numbers in certain areas of the ocean.
- 4Both are affected by changes in ocean temperature and chemistry.
- 5Both are studied by marine biologists and ecologists.
What is the difference?
- 1Size: Krill are larger than most types of plankton.
- 2Mobility: Krill are capable of swimming, while most types of plankton are carried by ocean currents.
- 3Diet: Krill are primarily herbivores, while plankton can be either plant-like (phytoplankton) or animal-like (zooplankton).
- 4Importance: Krill are a major food source for many larger marine animals, while plankton are the foundation of the entire marine food web.
- 5Visibility: Krill are visible to the naked eye, while most types of plankton are microscopic and require a microscope to see.
Remember this!
Krill and plankton are both small organisms that live in the ocean and are important components of the marine food chain. However, krill are larger and more visible than most types of plankton, and they are primarily herbivores that are a major food source for many larger marine animals. On the other hand, plankton are the foundation of the entire marine food web and can be either plant-like or animal-like, and they are carried by ocean currents.
