nanoplankton
/ˈnanəʊˌˈplaŋ(k)t(ə)n
/ /ˈnanəʊˌˈplaŋ(k)tɒn/noun [mass noun] Biology
Very small unicellular plankton, at the limits of resolution of light microscopy.Calcareous nannoplankton, although stimulated toward diversification, was obviously less efficient in calcification....
- Various other occurrences of calcareous nannoplankton, dinocysts and mammals help to correlate relevant units in the three NW European basins.
- Calcareous nannoplankton is proven to react significantly to changes in environmental conditions, such as surface water temperature, nutrient availability and/or salinity.
Origin
Early 20th century: from German, from Greek nanos 'dwarf' + plankton.