Planktivore
A planktivore is an animal that primarily feeds on plankton, the microscopic organisms drifting in aquatic environments. These animals play a crucial role in marine and freshwater ecosystems by regulating plankton populations and transferring energy up the food chain.
Planktivores have evolved specialized adaptations to efficiently consume plankton. Many species, such as filter-feeding fish and whales, use gill rakers, baleen plates, or fine mouth structures to trap tiny plankton from the water. Some species actively pursue planktonic prey, while others passively filter-feed by swimming with their mouths open.
Common planktivorous animals include whale sharks, manta rays, basking sharks, and certain species of whales, such as blue whales, which consume krill, a type of planktonic crustacean. Many fish, including anchovies, sardines, and herrings, also rely on plankton as a primary food source. Plankton-feeding invertebrates like jellyfish and krill play an essential role in the marine food web.
Planktivores serve as a critical link in aquatic ecosystems, converting plankton’s energy into a form that larger predators, such as tuna, seabirds, and marine mammals, can consume. By maintaining balanced plankton populations, these species help sustain oceanic food webs and contribute to the health of marine and freshwater environments.
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