The base of the food web in the open ocean and the bottom beneath the open ocean is:
A) algae.
B) seagrasses.
C) chemosynthetic bacteria.
D) phytoplankton.
E) detritus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phytoplankton are the primary producers in the open ocean, forming the base of the food web. They are microscopic, free-floating plants that convert the energy from the sun into organic matter through photosynthesis.

Answer: E
 Detritus, which consists of dead organic matter, also plays an important role in the open ocean ecosystem. It serves as a source of nutrients for organisms that live on or near the ocean floor, such as bacteria, worms, and crustaceans. Detritus also provides a pathway for energy transfer from surface waters to deeper waters.

The Base of the Food Web in the Open Ocean