Pteropod Aggregation (Biotic Group)

Component: Biotic

Unique Identifier: 453

Biotic Setting	Planktonic Biota
Biotic Group	Zooplankton
Biotic Subclass	Molluscan Holoplankton
Biotic Group	Pteropod Aggregation
Biotic Community	Carolla Aggregation Clione Aggregation

Description

Definition

Water parcels in which pteropod mollusks (characterized by a reduced shell and an expansive, wing-like foot) are the dominant form of zooplankton. They are sufficiently abundant in some areas of the ocean that their dead shells form ooze after sinking to the seafloor.