Plankton!!!

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Plankton!!!
Plankton dont have eyebrows
http//www.flickr.com/photos/cbcastro/257678003/
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Where do we find phytoplankton?
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Where plankton live determines their adaptations

• Phytolankton face a problem
• They must stay in the photic zone or else they
  wont get sunlight

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Adaptations of Plankton

• They must stay high in the water column
• - plankton need sunlight
• - zooplankton need phytoplankton (to eat, so
  have to get to surface at least some of the time)
• What are some possible adaptations?
• Remember, plankton are at the mercy of the
  currents (for the most part)

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Plankton move in water like we would move in
molasses

• So, if we give them more surface area, they will
  move even slower sort of like sticking to the
  water

Ways in which plankton have evolved higher
surface areas
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Spines
http//www.flickr.com/photos/microagua/3823716613/
How can spines prevent sinking?
increase surface area
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Appendages
http//www.flickr.com/photos/nelas/515566430/
How can appendages prevent sinking?
increase surface area
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Flattened Bodies
http//www.flickr.com/photos/nelas/515566440/
Increased Surface Area
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Chains
http//www.flickr.com/photos/myfwc/5807722033/
Increased surface area
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Parachutes
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Lipids and Oils
They are less dense than water and help the
plankton float.
http//www.flickr.com/photos/andredoreto/441191573
3/
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Tiny legs for swimming
Though these organisms can swim a little, they
are still considered plankton
http//www.flickr.com/photos/thesunanddoves/230379
4705/