Question

Which is the second trophic level in the aquatic ecosystem?

Answer 1

Aquatic ecosystem:

1. It comprises freshwater habitats like ponds, lakes, oceans, rivers, wetlands, swamps, streams, etc., and marine habitats, which comprise intertidal zones, oceans, reefs, seabed, etc.
2. It is the habitat for water-dependent living organisms like plants, animals, and microbes.
3. In an aquatic ecosystem, the second trophic level is formed by the zooplanktons.
4. These are the heterotrophic species, that is, they depend on others for their food.
5. The majority of zooplanktons are found in the upper section of the oceans where sunlight can reach its maximum level, which helps in the growth of phytoplankton that forms the first trophic level of the ecosystem.
6. Zooplankton is small, aquatic microbes, which comprise rotifers, crustaceans, aquatic mites, and open water insect larvae.
7. These organisms feed on the primary producers, that is, phytoplankton.