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Which organisms live in the surface film called the neuston?
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Inland water ecosystem
Figure 1: Relationship between the density of pure water and temperature.
The neuston consists of a diverse group of organisms that live either on top of or attached to the underside of the water's surface film.12
These organisms include:
- Insects: Such as water striders and whirligig beetles.1
- Other invertebrates: Including some spiders, snails, insect larvae, and hydras.1
- Microorganisms: Certain protozoans.1
The neuston is distinct from plankton, as planktonic organisms only become associated with the surface film incidentally, rather than being specialized to inhabit that specific interface.1