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Introduction to ecosystems

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1 Seas, ecosystems and small organisms

Figure 2 Daphnia, a genus of small, planktonic crustaceans

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A photograph of a live water flea (Daphnia), taken using a low power microscope. Daphnia is in a large genus of small, planktonic crustaceans. Developing embryos can be seen in the brood pouch, as the carapace is transparent.

Figure 2 Daphnia, a genus of small, planktonic crustaceans

Many very small organisms live in water. Understanding their lifestyle means understanding the physical nature of the environment, because it is a different world for the very small.

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1 Seas, ecosystems and small organisms