What term describes organisms that drift with ocean currents?

The term that describes organisms that drift with ocean currents is plankton. Plankton encompasses a diverse group of organisms, including small marine plants (phytoplankton) and animals (zooplankton), which are unable to swim effectively against the current. These organisms are critical in aquatic ecosystems as they serve as the foundational food source for many larger marine animals and play a significant role in nutrient cycling within the ocean environment.

The other terms refer to different types of organisms in the marine ecosystem. Coral refers specifically to marine invertebrates in the class Anthozoa, which build reefs and are not considered to be drifting organisms. Nekton describes creatures that are capable of swimming and moving independently of the currents, such as fish and marine mammals. Benthic organisms live on or in the sea floor, like crabs and sea stars, and are not classified as drifters since they are generally sedentary or move along the bottom. Thus, plankton is the most accurate term for those that drift with ocean currents.