ZooplanktonHeterotrophic protistan or metazoan members of the plankton ecosystem Zooplankton sample including several species of copepods (1–5), gastropodlarva (6) doliolids (7), fish eggs (8), and decapod larva (9) (Photo by Iole Di Capua)Zooplankton are the heterotrophic component of the planktonic community, having to consume other organisms to thrive.
Siliceous oozeSiliceous ooze is a type of biogenic pelagic sediment located on the deepocean floor. Siliceous oozes are the least common of the deep sea sediments, and make up approximately 15% of the ocean floor. Oozes are defined as sediments which contain at least 30% skeletal remains of pelagic microorganisms. Siliceous oozes are largely composed of the silica-based skeletons of microscopic marine organisms such as diatoms and radiolarians.
SkeletonA skeleton is the structural frame that supports the body of most animals. There are several types of skeletons, including the exoskeleton, which is a rigid outer shell that holds up an organism's shape; the endoskeleton, a rigid internal frame to which the organs and soft tissues attach; and the hydroskeleton, a flexible internal structure supported by the hydrostatic pressure of body fluids.
EndosymbiontOrganism that lives within the body or cells of another organismAn endosymbiont is an organism that lives inside other cells, usually providing benefits to both organisms.A representation of the endosymbiotic theoryAn endosymbiont or endobiont is an organism that lives within the body or cells of another organism. Typically, the two organisms are in a mutualistic relationship.
MineralCrystalline chemical element or compound formed by geologic processesCrystals of serandite, natrolite, analcime, and aegirine from Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, CanadaIn geology and mineralogy, a mineral or mineral species is, broadly speaking, a solid substance with a fairly well-defined chemical composition and a specific crystal structure that occurs naturally in pure form. The geological definition of mineral normally excludes compounds that occur only in living organisms.
MixotrophA mixotroph is an organism that uses a mix of different sources of energy and carbon, instead of having a single trophic mode. Mixotrophs are situated somewhere on the continuum from complete autotrophy to complete heterotrophy. It is estimated that mixotrophs comprise more than half of all microscopic plankton. There are two types of eukaryotic mixotrophs. There are those with their own chloroplasts – including those with endosymbionts providing the chloroplasts.
HeterotrophA heterotroph (; from Ancient Greek ἕτερος (héteros), meaning "other", and τροφή (trophḗ), meaning "nourishment") is an organism that cannot produce its own food, instead taking nutrition from other sources of organic carbon, mainly matter from other organisms. In the food chain, heterotrophs are primary, secondary and tertiary consumers, but not producers.
Cell (biology)Basic unit of life formsThe cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all forms of life or organisms. The term comes from the Latin word cellula meaning 'small room'. A biological cell basically consists of a semipermeablecell membrane enclosing cytoplasm that contains genetic material. Most cells are only visible under a microscope.
FossilPreserved remains or traces of organisms from a past geological ageExamples of animal fossils. Clockwise from top left: Onychocrinus, Palaeosinopa, Gryphaea, and HarpactocarcinusA fossil (from Classical Latinfossilis, lit. 'obtained by digging') is any preserved remains, impression, or trace of any once-living thing from a past geological age.
Silicon dioxideOxide of siliconChemical compoundSilicon dioxide, also known as silica, is an oxide of silicon with the chemical formulaSiO2, and is commonly found in nature as quartz. In many parts of the world, silica is the major constituent of sand. Silica is one of the most complex and abundant families of materials, existing as a compound of several minerals and as a synthetic product. Examples include fused quartz, fumed silica, opal, and aerogels.
EndoplasmLook up in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.Ectoplasm (cell biology)Ectoplasm, also called exoplasm, is the clear, gel-like, and agranular outer portion of the cytoplasm in protists, that lies just beneath the cell membrane. In other eukaryotes it is known as the cell cortex. It contains actin filaments, allowing the ectoplasm to play a significant role in cellular movement and shape.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.