Zooplankton Ecology

Zooplankton ecology is the study of the interactions between small aquatic animals and their habitats. Zooplankton are a vital part of aquatic ecosystems, playing important roles in food webs, nutrient cycling, and providing vital grazing and shelter. Zooplanktons are important components of aquatic food webs, providing energy for larger predators such as fish. They also help recycle nutrients from deeper layers of the water column and help maintain water quality. In addition, zooplankton provide critical habitat for juveniles of larger, commercially important species and are a major source of food for aquatic birds and mammals. Understanding zooplankton ecology is essential for effective management of aquatic ecosystems.