Final answer:
Filter feeding is used by aquatic organisms to extract food from water as they move, with manta rays being a prominent example. These filter feeders use specialized structures or movement patterns to trap and consume tiny organisms like plankton.
Step-by-step explanation:
Filter feeding is a method of feeding used by a variety of aquatic animals, including manta rays and certain protists. These organisms sieve small food particles like plankton from the water, often while swimming. Manta rays, for instance, possess specialized structures that enable efficient filtration as they glide through the water. Similarly, some protists employ their flagella, whip-like tails, to create currents that draw food towards them.
In-depth study of filter feeders like manta rays, conducted by scientists such as Dr. Misty Paig-Tran, has uncovered the intricate mechanisms behind this feeding method. The understanding of filter feeding mechanisms not only reveals the complexity of aquatic life forms but also offers insights into how these species have adapted to thrive in their environments.