Free-floating algae is also known as which of the following?

Free-floating algae are referred to as phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that live suspended in the water column of oceans, lakes, and rivers. They are a crucial component of aquatic ecosystems, forming the base of the food web and contributing significantly to the production of oxygen through photosynthesis.

In this context, phytoplankton encompasses various types of free-floating algae, including diatoms and cyanobacteria, which thrive in sunlight-rich layers of water. Their ability to grow and reproduce quickly makes them pivotal in supporting aquatic life, as they are consumed by a variety of marine and freshwater organisms.

Macroalgae, often visible and larger than phytoplankton, are typically attached to substrates rather than floating freely, differentiating them from phytoplankton. Periphyton consists of algae and microorganisms that grow on submerged surfaces, while zooplankton refers to tiny aquatic animals that feed on phytoplankton, further emphasizing the integral role phytoplankton play in aquatic food chains.