Book 18, Question 82
What Are Copepods?
Copepods are tiny swimming animals in the sea, and they are cousins of crabs! Each one is only about the size of a grain of rice. But there are so many that they feed huge animals.
More fun facts
- Copepods are tiny crustaceans, distantly related to shrimp and crabs.
- They are among the most abundant animals on the planet.
- They live in almost every ocean, sea and freshwater habitat, even in underground caves.
- Copepods are called cows of the sea because they graze on tiny drifting plants.
- Right whales, among the largest animals alive, filter-feed on copepods.
Sources: NOAA, NOAA, Science News Explores
Questions kids ask
Why are copepods called cows of the sea?
Because they graze on tiny drifting plants.