This document provides questions to guide the reader in understanding key concepts about plankton from a scientific text. It includes questions about why plankton are called "drifters", how they are able to live near the surface of oceans, and adaptations like buoyancy. Questions also address the thermocline, how water density affects mixing, and how this benefits plankton. Further questions explore plankton's role in food chains, characteristics of "jello-plankton", and the process of vertical diurnal migration. The final question looks at what time of year is optimal for plankton growth and why.

1. Questions for Article: Questions for Article:
Answer all questions in complete sentences so that they are Answer all questions in complete sentences so that they are
useful study notes for you later!!! useful study notes for you later!!!
Example: What does the word plankton refer to? Example: What does the word plankton refer to?
Answer: the word plankton refers to the Greek word Answer: the word plankton refers to the Greek word
drifters. drifters.
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Why do we call these organisms “plankton”? Why do we call these organisms “plankton”?
Compare and contrast Plankton to Nekton, animals that can Compare and contrast Plankton to Nekton, animals that can
swim, provide at least 2 examples. swim, provide at least 2 examples.
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Why must plankton live near the surface of the ocean? Why must plankton live near the surface of the ocean?
What is this zone called? What is this zone called?
In your own words define “Buoyant”. In your own words define “Buoyant”.
What are 3 adaptations that allow different plankton to live What are 3 adaptations that allow different plankton to live
near the surface and stay “buoyant”. near the surface and stay “buoyant”.
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Define the thermocline. Define the thermocline.
Explain how water density affects the daily mixing of surface Explain how water density affects the daily mixing of surface
water. water.
How does this daily mixing of surface water benefit the How does this daily mixing of surface water benefit the
plankton that live near there? plankton that live near there?
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Which plankton is higher up on the plankton food chain? Which plankton is higher up on the plankton food chain?
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Describe the different characteristics of “jello-plankton? Describe the different characteristics of “jello-plankton?
What does jello-plankton eat? What does jello-plankton eat?
What is one adaptation jello-plankton have? What is one adaptation jello-plankton have?
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Summarize vertical diurnal migration Summarize vertical diurnal migration
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What time of year is the optimum time for plankton growth What time of year is the optimum time for plankton growth
and why? and why?