aquatic food webs
Aquatic food webs describe the complex feeding relationships among organisms in water environments, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. At the base are primary producers like phytoplankton and aquatic plants, which convert sunlight into energy. Small fish and zooplankton eat these producers, serving as primary consumers. Predators such as larger fish and seals are secondary consumers that eat the smaller fish. Decomposers, including bacteria and fungi, break down dead organisms, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. These interconnected relationships illustrate how energy flows through aquatic systems, supporting diverse life forms and maintaining ecological balance.
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Aquatic food webs illustrate the complex feeding relationships among organisms in water ecosystems, like oceans, rivers, and lakes. They start with primary producers, such as algae and aquatic plants, which convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. These producers are eaten by herbivores, like small fish and zooplankton. In turn, these herbivores are preyed upon by larger predators, such as bigger fish and birds. Decomposers also play a critical role, breaking down dead organisms and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. This interconnected system highlights the balance of life and energy flow in aquatic environments.