Definitions
- Describing organisms that float on the surface of water, but are partially submerged. - Referring to aquatic plants or animals that live at the air-water interface. - Talking about organisms that are adapted to live in the thin layer of water between the surface and the atmosphere.
- Describing organisms that live at the air-water interface, but are not submerged. - Referring to the collection of organisms that inhabit the topmost layer of water. - Talking about the community of organisms that live in the thin film of water on the surface of oceans, lakes, and rivers.
List of Similarities
- 1Both refer to organisms that live at the air-water interface.
- 2Both describe the community of organisms that inhabit the topmost layer of water.
- 3Both can include plants and animals.
- 4Both are important for the ecology of aquatic environments.
- 5Both are affected by wind, waves, and currents.
What is the difference?
- 1Depth: Pleuston refers to organisms that are partially submerged, while neuston describes those that are not submerged at all.
- 2Location: Pleuston is often found in the thin layer of water between the surface and the atmosphere, while neuston inhabits the very topmost layer of water.
- 3Adaptations: Pleuston organisms have adaptations to help them stay afloat and partially submerged, while neuston organisms have adaptations to help them stay at the surface of the water.
- 4Size: Neuston includes smaller organisms like plankton, while pleuston includes larger organisms like jellyfish.
- 5Visibility: Neuston is more visible than pleuston because it is at the surface of the water.
Remember this!
Pleuston and neuston are both terms used to describe organisms that live at the air-water interface. However, pleuston refers to organisms that are partially submerged, while neuston describes those that are not submerged at all. Additionally, pleuston is often found in the thin layer of water between the surface and the atmosphere, while neuston inhabits the very topmost layer of water.
