mesoplankton Definition
- 1small planktonic organisms that range in size from 0.2 to 20 millimeters and are found in the water column of oceans and other bodies of water
- 2organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye but are larger than the smallest plankton, known as picoplankton
Using mesoplankton: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mesoplankton" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Mesoplankton includes copepods, krill, and other small crustaceans.
Example
The mesoplankton community is an important part of the marine food web.
Example
Scientists study mesoplankton to better understand ocean ecosystems.
Summary: mesoplankton in Brief
Mesoplankton [mez-uh-plangk-ton, mes-, mee-zuh-, -suh-] refers to small planktonic organisms that range in size from 0.2 to 20 millimeters and are found in the water column of oceans and other bodies of water. These organisms are too small to be seen with the naked eye but are larger than the smallest plankton, known as picoplankton. Mesoplankton includes copepods, krill, and other small crustaceans, and is an important part of the marine food web.