"Planktonic" refers to organisms that drift in water bodies, including oceans, lakes, and rivers. These tiny creatures, known as plankton, are unable to swim against currents and are classified into two main types: phytoplankton, which are plant-like and perform photosynthesis, and zooplankton, which are animal-like and feed on other plankton. Plankton play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems as they form the base of the food web. They provide essential nutrients for larger organisms, such as fish and whales, and contribute to the global carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.