The role of arroworms in the pelagic ecosystem is to:
A) filter feed on small plankton.
B) link primary and higher consumers in the food chain.
C) prevent grazers from population explosions.
D) scavenge nutrition from dying animals.
E) recycle nutrients from detritus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Arrowworms play an important role in linking primary (plankton) and higher consumers (larger fish, squid, etc.) in the food chain in the pelagic ecosystem. They are themselves secondary consumers, feeding on smaller zooplankton. They also contribute to nutrient cycling by excreting waste and decaying after death. However, they do not filter feed on small plankton exclusively, prevent grazers from population explosions, or scavenge nutrition from dying animals. While they may contribute to the recycling of nutrients from detritus, this is not their primary role in the pelagic ecosystem.

The Role of Arroworms in the Pelagic Ecosystem Is To