Which term describes tiny organisms floating in the water?

Which term describes tiny organisms floating in the water?

• A. Nekton
• B. Plankton
• C. Epilimnion
• D. Neuston

Answer: (B)

Floating, drifting plants and animals in the water are described as plankton. These tiny organisms are carried along by currents and tides rather than swimming actively to move around, which is why they’re grouped under plankton. This includes both phytoplankton (plants) and zooplankton (animals), and it covers organisms that spend all or part of their life cycle drifting with the water. Nekton, by contrast, are capable of active swimming and can move against currents, like fish and larger crustaceans. The term epilimnion refers to the upper, sun-warmed layer of a stratified lake, not an organism. Neuston describes organisms that live right at the air–water surface, which is a specific lifestyle distinct from the broader drifting habit of plankton.

Floating, drifting plants and animals in the water are described as plankton. These tiny organisms are carried along by currents and tides rather than swimming actively to move around, which is why they’re grouped under plankton. This includes both phytoplankton (plants) and zooplankton (animals), and it covers organisms that spend all or part of their life cycle drifting with the water.

Nekton, by contrast, are capable of active swimming and can move against currents, like fish and larger crustaceans. The term epilimnion refers to the upper, sun-warmed layer of a stratified lake, not an organism. Neuston describes organisms that live right at the air–water surface, which is a specific lifestyle distinct from the broader drifting habit of plankton.