Question

A coral reef ecosystem might include all of the following organisms: phytoplankton, clams, octopus, moray eel and barracuda. The following shows a basic food chain of these organisms:

Basic food chain

In this food chain, which organism would be the primary producer?

Answer 1

Phytoplankton are primary producers and are the foundation of the aquatic food web. They feed everything from microscopic, animal-like zooplankton to multi-ton whales. Small fish and invertebrates also graze on the plant-like organisms, and then those smaller animals are eaten by bigger ones.