Most of the photosynthesis and nutrient consumption in the ocean is carried out by:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plankton, which includes both phytoplankton and zooplankton, are responsible for the majority of photosynthesis and nutrient consumption in the ocean. They form the base of the marine food web and support the entire ecosystem. Option A is incorrect as large marine mammals, such as whales or sea lions, do not play a significant role in these processes. Option B is also incorrect as deep dwelling organisms are often adapted to low nutrient and energy environments and do not contribute significantly to nutrient cycling. While bacteria do play a critical role in nutrient cycling, their contribution to photosynthesis is relatively small when compared to that of plankton.

Most of the Photosynthesis and Nutrient Consumption in the Ocean