Which type of plankton are small free-floating animals that feed on marine algae?

Zooplankton are the small free-floating animals in aquatic environments that predominantly feed on phytoplankton, which are the microscopic plants (marine algae) found in the water. This makes zooplankton crucial for the marine food web, serving as a primary food source for larger marine organisms, such as fish. Zooplankton can include a variety of organisms such as copepods, jellyfish larvae, and even some small crustaceans.

Understanding the role of zooplankton highlights their importance in nutrient cycling within marine ecosystems, as they help control phytoplankton populations and facilitate the transfer of energy through food webs. This relationship underscores the interconnectedness of ocean organisms and the balance of marine ecosystems.