In the ocean, phytoplankton are tiny floating algae and similar organisms, comprising many species, that carry out photosynthesis.Based on these characteristics, a community ecologist would most likely place all ocean phytoplankton into which subset of a community?
A) Population
B) Taxonomic group
C) Food (trophic) web
D) Functional group
E) Interaction web

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A functional group is a subset of a community that includes multiple species that function in similar ways. Since all ocean phytoplankton carry out photosynthesis, they would be classified into a functional group based on this shared trait.

In the Ocean, Phytoplankton Are Tiny Floating Algae and Similar