1. Plankton!!! * Plankton don’t have eyebrows 01/17/13

2. Where do we find phytoplankton?
01/17/13
Where do we find phytoplankton?
Photic Zone
The photic zone– region of the ocean where light can penetrate. 2

3. Where plankton live determines their adaptations
01/17/13
Where plankton live determines their adaptations
Phytolankton face a problem
They must stay in the photic zone or else they won’t get sunlight
Photic Zone 3

4. Adaptations of Plankton
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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) 4

5. Plankton move in water like we would move in molasses
01/17/13
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…

6. Spines How can spines prevent sinking? increase surface area 01/17/13
Plankton move in water like we would move in molasses.
Spines increase the drag of the plankter’s body against its fluid environment, and keep it from sinking too quickly.
How can spines prevent sinking?
increase surface area 6

7. Appendages How can appendages prevent sinking? increase surface area
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Appendages
Appendages act like spines by slowing down the sinking plankton.
How can appendages prevent sinking?
increase surface area 7

8. Flattened Bodies Increased Surface Area 01/17/13
Flattened bodies help slow plankton from sinking
(think of what would sink faster: a dinner plate or a golf ball)
Increased Surface Area 8

9. Chains Increased surface area 01/17/13
Long chains have increased surface area and take longer to sink.
Increased surface area 9

10. Parachutes
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Parachutes and large wing-like appendages also increase surface area and keep plankton from sinking too quickly. 10

11. Lipids and Oils
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Some plankton have lipid sacs inside them that act like buoys and keep them afloat.
They are less dense than water and help the plankton float. 11

12. Tiny legs for swimming*
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Tiny legs for swimming*
They are not strong enough swimmers to swim against a current.
*Though these organisms can swim a little, they are still considered plankton 12