Phytoplankton vs. Zooplankton — What's the Difference?

Phytoplankton () are the autotrophic (self-feeding) components of the plankton community and a key part of ocean and freshwater ecosystems. The name comes from the Greek words φυτόν (phyton), meaning 'plant', and πλαγκτός (planktos), meaning 'wanderer' or 'drifter'.Phytoplankton obtain their energy through photosynthesis, as do trees and other plants on land.

Zooplankton (, ) are heterotrophic (sometimes detritivorous) plankton (cf. phytoplankton).

Plankton that consists of minute plants and other photosynthetic organisms, including cyanobacteria, diatoms, and dinoflagellates.

Plankton that consists of animals, including copepods, rotifers, jellyfish, and the larvae of sessile animals such as coral and sea anemones.

Plankton, especially those small in size, that obtain energy by photosynthesis.

(zoology) Free-floating small protozoa, crustaceans (such as krill), etc. and the eggs and larvae from larger animals.

Photosynthetic or plant constituent of plankton; mainly unicellular algae

Animal constituent of plankton; mainly small crustaceans and fish larvae