The name plankton is derived from the Greek word “Planktos”, meaning “wanderer” or drifter.
Phytoplankton: - Autotrophic, prokaryotic or eukaryotic algae that live near the water surface where there is sufficient light to support photosynthesis. Among the more important groups are the diatoms, cynobacteria and dinoflagellates.
Zooplankton – Small protozoans or metazoans (Example – Crustaceans and other animals) that feed on other plankton and telonemia. Some of the eggs and larvae of larger animals, such as fish, crustaceans, and annelids, are included here.