phytoplankter Biol.
(ˈfaɪtəʊplæŋktə(r))
[f. phyto- + plankter.]
A phytoplanktonic individual or species.
| 1957 G. E. Hutchinson Treat. Limnol. I. xiv. 798 Apart from diatoms, a few phytoplankters use silica. 1960 N. Polunin Introd. Plant Geogr. xvi. 517 The rate of sinking of a body heavier than water, as most phytoplankters (phytoplanktonic individuals) are, depends upon the ratio of surplus weight to friction. 1967 New Scientist 2 Feb. 276/3 The zoologist studies the nutritional requirements and efficiencies of food conversion of marine animals (zooplankters) feeding on marine phytoplankters or other small animals. 1972 Science 5 May 535/1 These substances are rapidly absorbed from water by organisms, including phytoplankters. 1976 Nature 17 June 584/1 Gonyaulax, a marine phytoplankter, is normally grown in a medium of approximately 500 mM salt. |