British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms

BSL Marine Species Glossary - Zooplankton - definition

Translation:

Zooplankton are very small animals, some of which can only be seen through a microscope. They have what look like arms and legs that are represented in the sign ZOOPLANKTON. Zooplankton come in a range of sizes, some of which can be seen with the naked eye like, for example, jellyfish. Feeding on Phytoplankton and plants, these organisms are a vital part of the ecosystem and act as a food source for other marine creatures from the smallest to the largest - interestingly Blue Whales (the largest creatures on the planet) feed on huge quantities of them. Zooplankton are essential for the maintenance of the ocean food chain - without them other creatures could not survive. They cannot swim against the current, but are moved by the direction of the surrounding water.