Pteropods, also known as "sea butterflies," are a group of small, free-swimming marine snails or mollusks that belong to the class Gastropoda. The name "pteropod" comes from the Greek words "pteron," meaning wing, and "podos," meaning foot, which describes their unique wing-like extensions that are used for swimming.
Pteropods are predominantly found in the world's oceans, residing in both warm and cold waters. They are characterized by their translucent, gelatinous bodies, usually measuring between a few millimeters and a few centimeters in size. These organisms typically have a single, coiled shell, although some species may have no shell at all. Their shells are often thin and fragile, giving them a delicate appearance.
As planktonic organisms, pteropods play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. They are an important food source for various marine organisms, including fish, seabirds, and whales. Pteropods are also vital in the carbon cycle, as they consume phytoplankton and transfer their carbon-rich excrement to the deep sea when they die, effectively sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
However, pteropods are facing significant challenges due to climate change and ocean acidification. The increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are causing the ocean waters to become more acidic, making it difficult for pteropods to form their shells or maintain them. This vulnerability to ocean acidification threatens their survival and has potential implications for marine food webs and carbon cycling.
