Plankton, Puget Sound

Plankton, Puget Sound

In the Puget Sound during the spring months, fast current environments provide a great deal of plankton, which in turn feed numerous species of marine wildlife. Some of the organisms benefiting from the plankton, are tube worms, barnacles, clams, mussels, oysters, several fish species, as well as bird species. These plankton, or diatoms, are responsible for photosynthesis, both providing food for themselves, as well as enriching the waters with oxygen.

I think it is interesting to note, that many animals, such as crabs and sea-stars begin life as plankton. I didn't believe it at first, but crabs and sea-stars do begin life as small planktonic creatures. Even jellyfish are considered a type of plankton. It all makes more sense when you look at the actual definition of the word plankton. Plankton is defined as the passively floating, or weakly swimming, usually minute animal, and plant life of a body of water. During the early spring, there is sufficient sunlight, for the plankton to bloom. These blooms can be relatively small, or remarkably large, lasting from a few days, to a few weeks. At times these blooms can even be seen from space, spanning hundreds of square kilometers, making life relatively productive in our marine environment. Since food is in liberal supply, this Is also a great time for organisms to reproduce. Despite the fact that these animals are living in a fairly strong current. Adaptations have been made to accommodate plants, and animals. Some animals like barnacles cling to rocks, were as others, such as crabs, and shrimp; traverse swift currents efficiently thanks to evolutionary characteristics. Even plants have evolved gas floats in order to achieve a closer positioning to sunlight. It seems natural selection has favored those organisms, able to adapt in an environment like this, and the productivity hear moves right along.

Plankton aren't the only organisms actively undergoing photosynthesis in this environment. There are kelp forests, where many species take residence. In fact, there are some species that form a pair, and benefit from each other. Team work is vital in order for certain animals to carve out a niche in this type of environment. This type of cooperation among critters, is known as "mutualism" by marine biologists. One example, are certain types of shrimp, and fish. In this relationship, a shrimp will keep the entrance of a fishes shelter clean and readily accessible. In turn, the shrimp is welcome to the fishes leftover food. Ever seen the movie "Finding Nemo"? That is a perfect example of animals displaying mutualism. Some fish will take residence in the stinging cells of sea anemones. This relationship seems to best benefit the fish, however it is another example of organisms coexisting and maximizing their recourses together.

Even when the seasons