3. The transfer of energy from one
organism to another in the form of
food is termed as a food web.
Organisms placed higher in the food
chain prey those placed on the lower
level. In case of ocean animals, the
same process is followed.
4. Top Predadors
The top predators are at the
highest level of the food
chain, and are called the
‘’quaternary consumers‘’.
Big predators include whales,
killer sharks, orcas, etc.
5. Large Fish
Large fish prey on the
smaller ones, and are also
known as the 'tertiary
consumers'. With regards to
the food chain, it is quite
important that even small
fish are hunted and eaten.
6. Small Bait Fish
As the name suggests, these are
primarily used as bait to catch
larger fish. Also known as the
'secondary consumers', they are
very common, breed very fast,
and thus form one of the most
important members of the marine
food web.
7. Zooplankton
Small floating animals, known as
'zooplankton' eat phytoplankton (the
lowest in the food chain). Being weak
swimmers, they drift or wander along
with the water current. They are also
called 'primary consumers', as they
are responsible for consuming
phytoplanktons, who are the primary
producers.
8. Phytoplankton
These are single-celled marine
organisms that live on the sunlit
upper layers of the ocean, the
'euphotic zone', and are considered
as one of the most powerful foods
around. They contain antioxidants,
vitamins, proteins and minerals.