Definitions
- Describing organisms that float on the surface of water and are partially submerged. - Referring to aquatic organisms that live at the air-water interface. - Talking about organisms that can move freely on the surface of the water.
- Describing small organisms that float or drift in water and cannot swim against the current. - Referring to aquatic organisms that are carried by currents and waves. - Talking about organisms that are an important source of food for larger aquatic animals.
List of Similarities
- 1Both refer to aquatic organisms.
- 2Both can be found in freshwater and saltwater environments.
- 3Both are important sources of food for larger aquatic animals.
- 4Both can be affected by changes in water temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels.
What is the difference?
- 1Size: Plankton refers to small organisms that cannot swim against the current, while pleuston can include larger organisms that can move freely on the surface of the water.
- 2Movement: Plankton drift with the currents and waves, while pleuston can move actively on the surface of the water.
- 3Habitat: Plankton can be found throughout the water column, while pleuston is restricted to the air-water interface.
- 4Function: Plankton includes both plants and animals, while pleuston typically refers to animals only.
- 5Importance: Plankton is a crucial part of the marine food web, while pleuston has a more limited role in aquatic ecosystems.
Remember this!
Pleuston and plankton are both terms used to describe aquatic organisms, but they differ in size, movement, habitat, function, and importance. Plankton refers to small organisms that drift with the currents and waves and play a crucial role in the marine food web. In contrast, pleuston includes larger organisms that can move actively on the surface of the water and have a more limited role in aquatic ecosystems.
