Final answer:
The epipelagic zone, also known as the photic zone, extends up to 200 meters deep, where sufficient sunlight supports photosynthesis for marine life such as algae.
Step-by-step explanation:
The epipelagic zone, also known as the photic zone, is the uppermost layer of the ocean that receives sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis. This zone extends to a maximum depth of about 200 meters (656 feet) below the water's surface, where solar intensity is strong enough to support various forms of marine life, including algae and other photosynthetic organisms. These plants and organisms can make food and provide the base for complex food webs through the process of photosynthesis, thanks to the available light at these depths. However, beyond the 200-meter mark lies the aphotic zone, where the sunlight does not penetrate, making photosynthesis virtually impossible. In this zone, organisms must rely on chemosynthesis or food that drifts down from the photic zone above.