Glossary

phytoplankton

The photosynthesizing constituent of a planktonic community, consisting of algae, cyanobacteria and other microorganisms.

Related terms

algae
A large and diverse group of simple, typically autotrophic organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms and including seaweeds, diatoms, and Spirogyra. They're photosynthetic, like plants, and the majority are aquatic.
bloom
A population explosion of phytoplankton such as algae.
cyanobacteria
Phylum of generally blue-green coloured bacteria, often confused with algae, that obtain their energy via photosynthesis and include unicellular and colonial species. Some species occur commonly in aquaria where they're normally regarded as pests.
diatom
Large group of algae often referred to as 'brown algae' in relation to aquaria. Most are unicellular but there also exist colonial types. Very common component of phytoplankton.
eutrophication
Hypertrophication; process by which addition of artificial or natural substances, such as nitrates and phosphates, to a body of water increases the concentration of dissolved nutrients, this in turn stimulating the growth of aquatic plant life, especially phytoplankton, and typically resulting in depletion of dissolved oxygen. Negative effects include reductions in populations of fishes and other organisms incapable of withstanding this hypoxia.
green water
Term used to describe water with a green-coloured, soupy appearance caused by an excess of phytoplankton in suspension, often as a result of eutrophication. Also known as an algal bloom.
microorganism
Organism that can be seen only with the aid of a microscope. Typically unicellular, e.g., baceria, protozoa, some algae.
planktonic
Of or relating to plankton.
planktonic bloom
A visble population explosion in plankton, typically involving phytoplankton, and normally resulting from an increase or excess of available nutrients.

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Used in 28 species profiles