AICE Marine Science Practice Exam

Zooplankton are primarily consumers in the marine food web, feeding mainly on phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that perform photosynthesis and form the base of the marine food web. They are abundant in both nutrient-rich coastal waters and open ocean environments, thriving in sunlight-lit surface layers of the ocean. Zooplankton, which include small animals such as copepods and krill, graze on these tiny plant-like organisms, converting the energy stored in phytoplankton into a form that can be utilized by larger marine organisms. This relationship establishes a crucial link in the food web, as zooplankton are an essential food source for various marine animals, including small fish and larger predators. Understanding this relationship highlights the importance of phytoplankton in marine ecosystems as primary producers, supporting the survival of numerous species across different trophic levels.