The most significant photosynthetic inhabitants of the upper epipelagic zone of the open ocean are
A) phytoplankton.
B) zooplankton.
C) kelp.
D) coral.
E) zooxanthellae.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phytoplankton are the primary producers in the upper epipelagic zone of the open ocean. They are responsible for the majority of the photosynthesis that occurs in this zone, which is the basis of the food chain for many marine organisms. Zooplankton are consumers and do not carry out photosynthesis. Kelp and coral are typically found in shallow, coastal waters and do not inhabit the open ocean. Zooxanthellae are symbiotic algae that live within coral and other invertebrates, but they are not the primary producers in the upper epipelagic zone of the open ocean.

The Most Significant Photosynthetic Inhabitants of the Upper Epipelagic Zone