Ecology
Zooplankton
Small animals and animal-like organisms that drift in water bodies. Primary consumers that link phytoplankton to larger organisms in aquatic food webs.
Biological Context
Zooplankton include copepods, krill, and larval stages of many fish and invertebrates. They graze on phytoplankton and are eaten by fish, whales, and other predators. Many zooplankton migrate vertically daily—rising to feed at night, sinking during day to avoid predators.
Business Application
Zooplankton-like businesses: small consumers that aggregate resources from numerous tiny producers and make them available to larger players. Aggregators, distributors, and middlemen fill this niche.