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Bio Study Guide

The document provides definitions and explanations of various biological terms and concepts, including blood types, cellular processes, genetic principles, and ecological factors. It covers topics such as active transport, cellular respiration, ecological succession, and types of mutations. The information serves as a comprehensive reference for understanding fundamental biological concepts.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
9 views16 pages

Bio Study Guide

The document provides definitions and explanations of various biological terms and concepts, including blood types, cellular processes, genetic principles, and ecological factors. It covers topics such as active transport, cellular respiration, ecological succession, and types of mutations. The information serves as a comprehensive reference for understanding fundamental biological concepts.

Uploaded by

yukariyakumo456
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

ABO blood types: The classification of human blood based on the presence or
absence of antigens A and B on the surface of red blood cells; includes types A, B, AB, and O.

2. Abiotic factor: Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as temperature,


water, and sunlight, that influence living organisms.

3. Acids / H+: Substances that release hydrogen ions (H⁺) when dissolved in water;
they have a pH below 7.

4. Active transport: Movement of molecules across a membrane against their


concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

5. Adenine: A nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA that pairs with thymine
(DNA) or uracil (RNA).

6. Aerobic: Processes or organisms that require oxygen for survival or energy


production.

7. Age structure: The distribution of individuals in a population across different age


groups.

8. Alcohol fermentation (R→P): An anaerobic process where glucose is converted


into ethanol and carbon dioxide, typically by yeast.

9. Allele: Variants of a gene that determine specific traits; each individual inherits
one allele from each parent.

10. Amino acid: Organic molecules that combine to form proteins; composed of an
amino group, carboxyl group, and R group.

11. Anaerobic: Processes or organisms that do not require oxygen for survival or
energy production.

12. Anaphase: A stage of mitosis or meiosis where sister chromatids or homologous


chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite poles.

13. Anti-codons: A sequence of three nucleotides on tRNA that pairs with a


complementary codon on mRNA during translation.

14. Atom: The smallest unit of matter, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

15. ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): A molecule that stores and releases energy for
cellular processes.

16. Autotroph: Organisms that produce their own food using light (photosynthesis) or
chemical energy (chemosynthesis).
17. Avery: Oswald Avery, a scientist who demonstrated that DNA is the molecule
responsible for heredity.

18. Bacterial transformation: The process by which bacteria take up foreign genetic
material from their environment.

19. Bases / OH-: Substances that release hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in solution; they have
a pH above 7.

20. Biodiversity: The variety of life forms in an ecosystem or the entire Earth.

21. Biogeochemical cycle: The cycling of elements (e.g., carbon, nitrogen,


phosphorus) through biological, geological, and chemical processes.

22. Biological magnification: The increase in concentration of toxins in organisms as


they move up the food chain.

23. Biomass: The total mass of living organisms in a given area or ecosystem.

24. Biosphere: The part of Earth where life exists, including land, water, and air.

25. Biotic factor: Living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and
bacteria.

26. Calvin Cycle (R→P): The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis that


convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

27. Cancer: A disease caused by the uncontrolled division and growth of abnormal
cells in the body.

28. Carbohydrate: Organic compounds (e.g., sugars, starches) used as a primary


energy source in organisms.

29. Carnivore: An organism that primarily consumes other animals.

30. Carrier: An individual who carries one copy of a recessive allele that causes a
genetic trait or disorder.

31. Carrying capacity: The maximum population size that an environment can
support indefinitely.

32. Catalyst: A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being


consumed in the process.

33. Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of life.


34. Cell cycle: The series of events that a cell goes through as it grows, replicates its
DNA, and divides.

35. Cell plate: A structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells, eventually
becoming the cell wall.

36. Cell wall: A rigid layer outside the plasma membrane of plants, fungi, and
bacteria that provides structural support.

37. Cellular differentiation: The process by which cells become specialized for
specific functions.

38. Cellular respiration (equation): The process of converting glucose and oxygen
into ATP, carbon dioxide, and water:

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP.

39. Centrioles: Cylindrical organelles involved in cell division, helping in the formation
of the spindle fibers.

40. Centromere: The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are held
together and where spindle fibers attach.

41. Chargaff’s rules (base pairing): Rules stating that DNA has equal amounts of
adenine and thymine, and guanine and cytosine.

42. Chemical reaction: A process where substances (reactants) are transformed into
new substances (products).

43. Chemosynthesis: The process by which certain organisms synthesize organic


compounds using energy from chemical reactions.

44. Chloroplast: An organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

45. Cholesterol: A lipid molecule that is an essential component of cell membranes


and precursor for steroid hormones.

46. Chromatin: The complex of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus that
condenses to form chromosomes.

47. Chromosomal mutation: A change in the structure or number of chromosomes,


often leading to genetic disorders.

48. Chromosome: A structure composed of DNA and proteins that carries genetic
information.
49. Classification: The organization of organisms into hierarchical categories based
on similarities and differences.

50. Climate: The long-term patterns of temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation
in a region.

51. Codominance: A form of inheritance where both alleles are fully expressed in the
phenotype of a heterozygous individual.

52. Codons: A sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that codes for a specific
amino acid or stop signal during protein synthesis.

53. Commensalism: A type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits


while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

54. Community: All the interacting populations of different species living in the same
area.

55. Competitive exclusion: A principle stating that two species competing for the
same resources cannot coexist indefinitely; one will outcompete the other.

56. Compound: A substance composed of two or more elements chemically


combined in fixed proportions.

57. Concentration gradient: The difference in the concentration of a substance


across a space or membrane.

58. Conclusion: A summary based on experimental data, supporting or refuting the


hypothesis.

59. Consumer: An organism that obtains energy by consuming other organisms;


includes herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.

60. Covalent bond: A chemical bond formed when two atoms share one or more
pairs of electrons.

61. Cristae: The folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane, increasing the surface
area for cellular respiration.

62. Crossing-over: The exchange of genetic material between homologous


chromosomes during meiosis, increasing genetic diversity.

63. Cytoplasm: The jelly-like substance within a cell, excluding the nucleus, where
organelles and cellular processes occur.

64. Cytosine: A nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA that pairs with guanine.
65. Cytoskeleton - microfilaments: Thin protein fibers that provide structural support
and aid in cell movement.

66. Cytoskeleton - microtubules: Hollow protein tubes that maintain cell shape, assist
in cell division, and form structures like cilia and flagella.

67. Data: Information gathered from observations or experiments, used for analysis
and conclusions.

68. Decomposer: Organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down dead
organisms and recycle nutrients back into the environment.

69. Deforestation: The clearing or removal of forests, often leading to habitat


destruction and climate change.

70. Dehydration synthesis: A chemical reaction that links monomers by removing


water molecules to form polymers.

71. Deletion: A type of mutation where a section of DNA or a chromosome is lost.

72. Denitrification: The conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas by bacteria, returning
nitrogen to the atmosphere.

73. Density-dependent limiting factor: Factors that limit population size based on
density, such as disease or competition for resources.

74. Density-independent limiting factor: Factors that affect population size regardless
of density, such as natural disasters.

75. Deoxyribose: A five-carbon sugar found in DNA.

76. Dependent variable: The variable in an experiment that is measured and affected
by changes in the independent variable.

77. Desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes desert due to overuse,
deforestation, or climate change.

78. Detritivore: Organisms that feed on dead organic matter, such as earthworms or
certain insects.

79. Diffusion: The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an


area of lower concentration.

80. Diploid: Cells with two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent; typical of
somatic cells in humans (2n=46).
81. Disaccharide: A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharides, such as
sucrose (glucose + fructose).

82. DNA polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes DNA by adding complementary


nucleotides during replication.

83. DNA replication: The process of copying DNA to ensure each new cell receives
an identical set of chromosomes.

84. Dominant: A trait or allele that is expressed in the phenotype, even when only
one copy is present.

85. Duplication: A mutation where a segment of a chromosome is copied and added,


resulting in extra genetic material.

86. Ecological pyramid: A graphical representation showing the distribution of energy,


biomass, or organism numbers in an ecosystem.

87. Ecological succession: The natural process by which ecosystems change and
develop over time, either through primary or secondary succession.

88. Ecology: The study of interactions between organisms and their environment.

89. Ecosystem: A community of living organisms and their non-living environment


interacting as a system.

90. Electron: A negatively charged subatomic particle orbiting the nucleus of an


atom.

91. Electron transport chain (R→P): A series of protein complexes in cellular


respiration or photosynthesis that generate ATP by transferring electrons.

92. Emigration: The movement of individuals out of a population, reducing its size.

93. Enzyme: A protein that speeds up biochemical reactions by lowering activation


energy.

94. Eukaryotic: Cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, such as
animal and plant cells.

95. Exons: The coding regions of a gene that are expressed and translated into
proteins.

96. Experiment: A controlled procedure used to test a hypothesis by manipulating


variables.
97. Exponential growth: A rapid increase in population size where the growth rate
becomes ever faster.

98. Facilitated diffusion: Passive transport of molecules across a membrane via


protein channels or carriers.

99. Fat: A type of lipid used for energy storage, insulation, and protection; composed
of glycerol and fatty acids.

100. Food chain: A linear sequence of organisms showing energy transfer through
consumption.

Continuation (Page 1, from term 101 onward):

101. Food web: A complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem,


showing the flow of energy and nutrients.

102. G1 phase: The first stage of interphase in the cell cycle, where the cell grows and
carries out normal functions.

103. G2 phase: The second stage of interphase in the cell cycle, where the cell
prepares for mitosis by producing organelles and molecules required for cell division.

104. Gamete: A haploid reproductive cell, such as sperm or egg, that fuses with
another gamete during fertilization.

105. Gene mutation: A change in the nucleotide sequence of a gene, which may affect
protein function.

106. Genes: Segments of DNA that code for specific proteins and determine inherited
traits.

107. Genome: The complete set of an organism’s DNA, including all of its genes.

108. Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism, represented by its alleles (e.g.,
AA, Aa, or aa).

109. Glucose: A simple sugar (C₆H₁₂O₆) used by cells as a primary energy source.

110. Glycolysis (R→P): The first step of cellular respiration, where glucose is broken
down into pyruvate, yielding ATP and NADH.

111. Golgi apparatus: An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and
lipids for storage or transport out of the cell.

112. Greenhouse effect: The trapping of heat in Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse


gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane.
113. Griffith: Frederick Griffith, a scientist who discovered the process of bacterial
transformation in his experiments with pneumonia-causing bacteria.

114. Guanine: A nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA that pairs with cytosine.

115. Habitat: The natural environment where an organism lives and thrives.

116. Habitat fragmentation: The breaking up of a habitat into smaller, isolated patches,
often due to human activities.

117. Haploid: Cells containing one set of chromosomes (n), such as gametes.

118. Helicase: An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix during DNA replication.

119. Herbivore: An organism that primarily consumes plants.

120. Herbivory: The act of eating plants, which can influence plant populations and
ecosystem dynamics.

121. Hershey and Chase: Scientists who confirmed that DNA is the genetic material
by using bacteriophages in their experiments.

122. Heterotroph: Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

123. Heterozygous: Having two different alleles for a particular gene (e.g., Aa).

124. Histone: Proteins around which DNA is coiled to form chromatin.

Page 2

125. Homeostasis: The process by which organisms maintain a stable internal


environment despite external changes.

126. Homologous chromosomes: Pairs of chromosomes, one from each parent, that
have the same genes but may carry different alleles.

127. Homozygous: Having two identical alleles for a particular gene (e.g., AA or aa).

128. Hydrogen bond: A weak bond between a hydrogen atom and another atom, such
as in water molecules or between base pairs in DNA.

129. Hydrolysis: A chemical reaction in which water is used to break bonds in


molecules, splitting polymers into monomers.

130. Hypertonic: A solution with a higher solute concentration than the cell, causing
the cell to lose water.

131. Hypothesis: A testable prediction or explanation for an observation.


132. Hypotonic: A solution with a lower solute concentration than the cell, causing the
cell to gain water.

133. Immigration: The movement of individuals into a population, increasing its size.

134. Independent variable: The variable in an experiment that is deliberately changed


or manipulated to test its effect.

135. Inference: A logical conclusion based on observations and prior knowledge.

136. Insertion: A type of mutation where an extra nucleotide is added to a DNA


sequence.

137. Intermediate inheritance: Inheritance where the heterozygous phenotype is


intermediate between the two homozygous phenotypes.

138. Interphase: The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows, replicates its DNA,
and prepares for division.

139. Introns: Non-coding regions of a gene that are removed during RNA processing.

140. Inversion: A chromosomal mutation where a segment of a chromosome is


reversed.

141. Ion: An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of
electrons.

142. Ionic bond: A chemical bond formed between oppositely charged ions.

143. Isotonic: A solution with the same solute concentration as the cell, resulting in no
net movement of water.

144. Isotope: Variants of an element with the same number of protons but a different
number of neutrons.

145. Karyotype: A visual representation of an organism’s chromosomes, arranged by


size and shape.

146. Keystone species: A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its
ecosystem relative to its abundance.

147. Kingdom: A high-level taxonomic category that groups organisms sharing basic
traits (e.g., Animalia, Plantae).

148. Krebs cycle (R→P): A series of chemical reactions in cellular respiration that
generate ATP, NADH, and FADH₂ by oxidizing acetyl-CoA.
149. Light-dependent reaction (R→P): The part of photosynthesis where sunlight is
used to produce ATP and NADPH.

150. Limiting factor: An environmental condition that restricts population growth, such
as food availability or space.

151. Limiting nutrient: A nutrient in short supply that limits the growth of organisms,
such as nitrogen or phosphorus.

152. Lipid: Organic molecules used for long-term energy storage, insulation, and cell
membranes; includes fats, oils, and phospholipids.

153. Logistic growth: Population growth that levels off as it approaches the carrying
capacity of the environment.

154. Lysosome: An organelle containing digestive enzymes that break down waste
materials and cellular debris.

155. M phase: The phase of the cell cycle that includes mitosis and cytokinesis, where
the cell divides.

156. Meiosis: A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half,
producing four haploid gametes.

157. Metaphase: A stage of mitosis or meiosis where chromosomes align at the cell’s
equatorial plane.

158. Mitochondria: Organelles known as the “powerhouses” of the cell, where ATP is
produced during cellular respiration.

159. Mitosis: A type of cell division that results in two identical diploid daughter cells.

160. Model: A simplified representation of a system, process, or concept used for


understanding and analysis.

161. Monomer: A small molecule that can bond with others to form a polymer.

162. Monosaccharide: The simplest form of carbohydrate, such as glucose or


fructose.

163. mRNA/tRNA/rRNA:

• mRNA (messenger RNA): Carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome
for protein synthesis.

• tRNA (transfer RNA): Brings amino acids to the ribosome during translation.
• rRNA (ribosomal RNA): A component of ribosomes that aids in protein synthesis.

164. Multicellular: Organisms made of multiple cells that work together to perform life
functions.

165. Mutualism: A type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.

166. N = # of chromosomes in humans: Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes,


totaling 46 (diploid number).

167. Neutral pH: A pH of 7, indicating a substance that is neither acidic nor basic (e.g.,
pure water).

168. Neutron: A subatomic particle with no charge, found in the nucleus of an atom.

169. Niche: The role an organism plays in its ecosystem, including its use of resources
and interactions with other species.

170. Nitrogen fixation: The conversion of nitrogen gas (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) by
bacteria, making it usable for plants.

171. Nitrogenous base: A component of nucleotides in DNA and RNA, including


adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil.

172. Nondisjunction: An error in meiosis or mitosis where chromosomes fail to


separate properly, leading to aneuploidy.

173. Nonpolar: Molecules with no separation of charge, resulting in no positive or


negative poles (e.g., fats and oils).

174. Nucleotide: The building block of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), consisting of a
sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

175. Nucleus: A membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the


genetic material (DNA).

176. Nucleus of an atom: The dense, positively charged center of an atom, containing
protons and neutrons.

177. Nutrient: A substance needed by organisms for energy, growth, and


maintenance.

178. Omnivore: An organism that eats both plants and animals.

179. Oncogenes: Mutated or overactive genes that can cause uncontrolled cell
growth, leading to cancer.
180. Orbital: A region around an atom’s nucleus where electrons are likely to be
found.

181. Organic: Molecules that contain carbon and are found in living organisms.

182. Osmosis: The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane from
a region of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

183. Parasitism: A type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the
expense of the other.

184. Passive transport: The movement of substances across a cell membrane without
the use of energy.

185. Pedigree: A diagram that shows the inheritance of traits through generations in a
family.

186. pH: A measure of how acidic or basic a solution is, ranging from 0 (acidic) to 14
(basic).

187. Phenotype: The physical traits or characteristics of an organism, resulting from its
genotype.

188. Phosphate group: A component of nucleotides and phospholipids, essential for


energy transfer and membrane structure.

189. Phospholipid: A lipid with a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail, forming the
bilayer of cell membranes.

190. Photosynthesis (equation): The process by which plants convert sunlight, water,
and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen:

191. Phytoplankton: Microscopic photosynthetic organisms in aquatic environments


that form the base of the food chain.

192. Pioneer species: The first species to colonize barren or disturbed environments,
starting ecological succession.

193. Plasma membrane: The semi-permeable membrane surrounding the cell,


composed of a phospholipid bilayer.

194. Polar: Molecules with unequal distribution of charges, resulting in positive and
negative poles (e.g., water).
195. Pollutant: A substance introduced into the environment that causes harm or
imbalance.

196. Polygenic: Traits controlled by multiple genes, such as skin color or height.

197. Polymer: Large molecules composed of repeating monomer units, such as


proteins or DNA.

198. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): A technique used to amplify specific DNA
sequences.

199. Polysaccharide: Complex carbohydrates made of many monosaccharides, such


as starch or cellulose.

200. Population: A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.

Final Section (Page 2, from term 201 onward)

201. Population density: The number of individuals per unit area or volume.

202. Predation: An interaction where one organism (predator) kills and eats another
(prey).

203. Primary succession: Ecological succession that occurs in areas with no prior soil,
such as after a volcanic eruption.

204. Principle of independent assortment: Mendel’s law stating that genes for different
traits segregate independently during gamete formation.

205. Principle of segregation: Mendel’s law stating that each organism carries two
alleles for each gene, which segregate during gamete formation.

206. Producer: Organisms, such as plants or algae, that produce energy-rich


compounds through photosynthesis.

207. Products: The substances formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

208. Prokaryotic: Cells without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, such as


bacteria.

209. Prophase: The first stage of mitosis, where chromosomes condense, and the
nuclear envelope breaks down.

210. Protein: Polymers of amino acids that perform various functions, including
enzymatic, structural, and regulatory roles.
211. Protein channels: Membrane proteins that allow specific molecules to pass
through the cell membrane.

212. Proton: A positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

213. Punnett square: A diagram used to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of
offspring based on parental alleles.

214. Qualitative observation: Observations that describe qualities or characteristics,


such as color or texture.

215. Quantitative observation: Observations involving measurements or numbers,


such as length or temperature.

216. Reactants: The starting substances in a chemical reaction.

217. Recessive: An allele that is expressed only when two copies are present
(homozygous recessive).

218. Recombinant DNA: DNA molecules formed by combining genetic material from
different sources.

219. Restriction enzyme: Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences, used in
genetic engineering.

220. Ribose: A sugar found in RNA.

221. Ribosome: Organelles that synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.

222. RNA: Ribonucleic acid, involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation.

223. RNA polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during
transcription.

224. Rough ER: Endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes, involved in protein
synthesis.

225. S phase: The phase of the cell cycle where DNA replication occurs.

226. Scavenger: Organisms that consume dead animals.

227. Scientific theory: A well-substantiated explanation of natural phenomena,


supported by evidence.

228. Secondary succession: Succession that occurs in areas where soil remains after
a disturbance.
229. Selective permeability: The property of the plasma membrane that allows certain
substances to pass while blocking others.

230. Sex-linked gene: A gene located on a sex chromosome, often leading to traits
that differ between sexes.

231. Sister chromatid: Identical copies of a chromosome connected by a centromere.

232. Smooth ER: Endoplasmic reticulum without ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis
and detoxification.

233. Solute: The substance dissolved in a solvent to form a solution.

234. Solvent: The substance in which a solute is dissolved to form a solution (e.g.,
water).

235. Somatic cell: Any body cell other than gametes.

236. Species: A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile


offspring.

237. Spindle fibers: Protein structures that separate chromosomes during cell division.

238. Steroids: Lipids with a structure of four fused rings, functioning in hormones and
membranes.

239. Stroma: The fluid inside the chloroplast where the Calvin cycle takes place.

240. Symbiosis: A close relationship between two species that benefits, harms, or
does not affect one or both.

241. Telophase: The final stage of mitosis, where the chromosomes de-condense, and
nuclear envelopes re-form.

242. Thylakoid: Membrane structures in chloroplasts where the light-dependent


reactions of photosynthesis occur.

243. Thymine: A nitrogenous base in DNA that pairs with adenine.

244. Transcription: The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

245. Translation: The process where ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a
template.

246. Translocation: A chromosomal mutation where a segment of one chromosome is


transferred to another.
247. Triplet: A sequence of three nucleotides in DNA or RNA that codes for a specific
amino acid.

248. Trophic level: The position an organism occupies in a food chain, such as
producer or consumer.

249. True-breeding: Organisms that produce offspring identical to themselves when


self-fertilized.

250. Unicellular: Organisms composed of a single cell.

251. Uracil: A nitrogenous base in RNA that replaces thymine and pairs with adenine.

252. Vacuole: A storage organelle in cells, particularly large in plant cells for storing
water and nutrients.

253. Water: A polar molecule essential for life, involved in many biological processes.

254. Watson and Crick: Scientists who discovered the double-helix structure of DNA.

255. Weather: The day-to-day atmospheric conditions in a specific area.

256. Wilkins and Franklin: Scientists who contributed to discovering DNA structure
through X-ray diffraction.

257. Zooplankton: Microscopic aquatic animals that feed on phytoplankton.

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