What is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea?

The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt that serves as a crucial link between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Built between 1859 and 1869, the canal drastically reduces the maritime distance between Europe and Asia by allowing ships to avoid the long and hazardous route around the southern tip of Africa. Its establishment has significantly influenced global trade by enabling faster and more efficient shipping routes.

The other options do not serve this purpose. The Strait of Gibraltar is a natural strait that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, while the Dardanelles is another natural waterway in Turkey that connects the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Plankton refers to small organisms that drift in water and is not related to maritime navigation or artificial waterways. Thus, the Suez Canal stands out as the correct answer due to its specific function and historical significance in maritime logistics.