AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Phytoplankton and algae form the bases of aquatic food webs. They are eaten by primary consumers like zooplankton, small fish, and crustaceans. Primary consumers are in turn eaten by fish, small sharks, corals, and baleen whales.

Detailed explanation-2: -The first link in the ocean food chain are producers, such as phytoplankton. Producers are organisms that can make their own food. In the ocean, producers include billions of microscopic organisms called phytoplankton. These are the main producers, but there are others such as algae and seagrasses.

Detailed explanation-3: -Through photosynthesis, phytoplankton use sunlight, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and water to produce oxygen and nutrients for other organisms. With 71% of the Earth covered by the ocean, phytoplankton are responsible for producing up to 50% of the oxygen we breathe.

Detailed explanation-4: -Zooplankton and other small marine creatures eat phytoplankton and then become food for fish, crustaceans, and other larger species. Phytoplankton make their energy through photosynthesis, the process of using chlorophyll and sunlight to create energy.

Detailed explanation-5: -Phytoplankton are microscopic marine algae. In a balanced ecosystem, they provide food for a wide range of sea creatures. Phytoplankton, also known as microalgae, are similar to terrestrial plants in that they contain chlorophyll and require sunlight in order to live and grow.