Plankton may be invisible to the naked eye, but they are some of the most important organisms on Earth. These drifting creatures are divided into phytoplankton (plant-like organisms that photosynthesize) and zooplankton (tiny animals that feed on phytoplankton and serve as food for larger marine life).
Phytoplankton produce over half of the world’s oxygen, making them essential not only for marine life but for all life on Earth. They also help regulate the planet’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Zooplankton, including larval fish, jellyfish, and tiny crustaceans, form the base of the marine food web, sustaining everything from small fish to massive whales.
Despite their small size, plankton drive ocean ecosystems, support global fisheries, and even influence weather patterns. Without them, life in the ocean—and on land—would be drastically different. These tiny organisms may float with the currents, but their impact is anything but small!
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