Photosynthetic algae are known as photoautotrophs and form the basis of a food web. If squid were removed from a food web, it would affect the ecosystem balance. Bacteria act as decomposers, returning nutrients to the environment.
Photosynthetic algae are often referred to as photoautotrophs, because they can synthesize their organic compounds via photosynthesis using sunlight as an energy source. In an ecosystem, the movement of energy through the various trophic levels is represented by a food web. If all the squid were removed from a food web, the species that feed on squid would have to find alternative food sources or face starvation, potentially leading to a decrease in their population. This in turn could affect the entire ecosystem balance, as each species plays a specific role in the movement of matter and energy.
The role of bacteria in a food web is typically that of decomposers, breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the environment, thus playing a critical role in nutrient cycling. In aquatic ecosystems, phytoplankton, including algae, carry out a significant portion of total photosynthesis, which is essential for supporting aquatic life. Furthermore, disturbances in the populations of photosynthetic organisms like algae can lead to drastic changes in the ecosystem, such as the loss of sea grass in the Indian River Lagoon.