What is plankton?

Plankton are tiny creatures that float around in water, just like little boats on a lake.

Imagine you're playing in a big puddle with your friends. Some of them are floating around lazily, they’re like the plankton. These tiny creatures don’t swim very fast, but they move along with the water’s current, kind of like how leaves float down a stream.

Even though plankton are small, they're super important. They're like the snack bar for bigger sea animals, fish, whales, even some birds eat them! Some plankton are so tiny that you can’t see them with your eyes alone, you need a magnifying glass or a microscope to spot them.

Some plankton are like little plants, they make food from sunlight. Others are like tiny animals that move around and eat other small things. Together, they help keep the ocean healthy and full of life.

So next time you’re at the beach or near a lake, remember, there might be millions of plankton floating right under your feet!