filter feeding

British  

noun

1. zoology a method of feeding occurring in some aquatic animals, such as planktonic invertebrates and whalebone whales, in which minute food particles are filtered from the surrounding water

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Other Word Forms

• filter feeder noun

Example Sentences

Ciocan says that the reason behind this is because the shellfish are "ingesting the particles through filter feeding by mistakes," noting that this is a "stark reminder of the hidden dangers in our environment."

From Salon • Jul. 15, 2024

These were each introduced to groups of 30 to 40 mosquito larvae, which took them up via filter feeding and passed them through their digestive systems.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2024

That can harm filter feeding species like corals and sponges, and could smother or otherwise interfere with some creatures.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 2, 2023

They are filter feeding , during when they extract small pieces of food and particles from the water.

From Slate • Dec. 14, 2022

Asian carp were introduced to the United States in the 1970s by fisheries and sewage treatment facilities that used the fish’s excellent filter feeding capabilities to clean their ponds of excess plankton.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022