AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Algae, along with plants and some bacteria and fungi, are autotrophs. Autotrophs are the producers in the food chain, meaning they create their own nutrients and energy.

Detailed explanation-2: -Herbivores are heterotrophs that directly consume producers such as plants or algae. They are a necessary link between producers and other heterotrophs such as carnivores.

Detailed explanation-3: -Algae (singular alga) are a diverse group of plant-like aquatic organisms. Oceanic algae is often referred to as phytoplankton. These simple organisms use photosynthesis to produce energy from sunlight, which allows them to make carbohydrates, oils and proteins.

Detailed explanation-4: -Algae have chlorophyll and can make their own food through the process of photosynthesis.

Detailed explanation-5: -As autotrophic organisms, algae convert water and carbon dioxide to sugar through the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis also generates oxygen as a byproduct, contributing to the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms.