Antarctic krill is a small, shrimp-like crustacean found in the Southern Ocean, surrounding Antarctica. These tiny creatures are a vital part of the Antarctic food web, serving as a primary food source for many species of marine animals, including penguins, seals, and whales. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of Antarctic krill, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Antarctic krill, also known as Euphausia superba, is a species of krill found in the Southern Ocean. They are small, shrimp-like crustaceans that measure around 6 centimeters in length. Antarctic krill is one of the most abundant species on the planet, with an estimated biomass of over 500 million tons.
Origin
Antarctic krill is believed to have originated in the Southern Ocean around 30 million years ago. They are a key component of the Antarctic ecosystem, and their abundance has been linked to the productivity of the region’s phytoplankton.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, krill is defined as “any of various small shrimplike marine crustaceans (order Euphausiacea) that swarm in immense numbers in the colder waters of the ocean and serve as food for fish and whales.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines krill as “a small, shrimplike planktonic crustacean of the order Euphausiacea, occurring in vast numbers in the Southern Ocean.”
Associations
Antarctic krill is associated with the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic ecosystem. They are a vital part of the food web, serving as a primary food source for many species of marine animals, including whales, penguins, and seals.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for Antarctic krill include Euphausia superba, krill shrimp, and Antarctic euphausiid.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for Antarctic krill, as it is a specific species of crustacean.
The same root words
Antarctic krill does not share any root words with other commonly used terms.
Example Sentences
- The abundance of Antarctic krill is essential for the survival of many species in the Southern Ocean.
- Scientists are studying the impact of climate change on the population of Antarctic krill.
- The fishing industry relies heavily on Antarctic krill for fish feed and human consumption.
- Penguins in Antarctica feed on Antarctic krill for their main source of sustenance.
- The biomass of Antarctic krill is estimated to be over 500 million tons, making them one of the most abundant species on the planet.