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What comprises "Plankton" in water bodies?

  1. a) Transfer of compounds with radiant energy

  2. b) Passage to the lungs and stomach

  3. c) Synthesis of aggregates in fresh or salt water

  4. d) Small plant and animal organisms floating or drifting in water

The correct answer is: d) Small plant and animal organisms floating or drifting in water

Plankton refers specifically to small plant and animal organisms that float or drift in water bodies, including both fresh and saltwater environments. These organisms, which can include tiny algae (phytoplankton) and small animal life (zooplankton), are crucial components of aquatic ecosystems. They serve as the primary producers in these environments, forming the base of the food web and providing sustenance for larger organisms, such as fish and whales. The other options pertain to different concepts that do not accurately describe what plankton is. For instance, the transfer of compounds with radiant energy relates more to processes like photosynthesis or energy transfer through ecosystems, while the passage to the lungs and stomach does not have relevance to the biological classification of plankton. The synthesis of aggregates involves chemical or physical processes that do not capture the essence of plankton's role or definition in aquatic habitats.