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Filter feeder

/ˈfɪl·tər ˈfiː·dər/noun
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A filter feeder is an organism, typically an animal, that captures food by straining tiny particles like plankton or detritus from water using specialized structures. These creatures are essential in aquatic environments for recycling nutrients and maintaining ecological balance, and in human applications, they're increasingly valued for their role in natural water filtration systems like oyster reefs.

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