Which group is minute animals important as food sources?

• A. Phytoplankton
• B. Zooplankton
• C. Algae
• D. Finfish

Answer: (B)

In aquatic food webs, tiny animals called zooplankton are the crucial link between producer organisms and larger predators. They feed on microscopic plants (phytoplankton and algae) and, just as important, they are the primary prey for many small fish, larval fish, and other minute aquatic animals. This makes zooplankton a key food source for organisms at early life stages and for species raised in aquaculture, where successful growth often depends on having abundant zooplankton to feed on.

Phytoplankton and algae are the photosynthetic plants at the base of the food chain, so they’re not animals. Finfish are larger consumers that eat zooplankton and other prey, not the minute animals themselves.