Warmer and More Acidic Ocean Water is Stressing ____, the Foundation

Question

Warmer and more acidic ocean water is stressing ____, the foundation of the marine food web.
A)algae
B)phytoplankton
C)cichlids
D)sea turtles
E)sharks

Accepted Answer

Phytoplankton are microscopic algae that form the base of the marine food web. They are essential to many marine ecosystems, as they provide food for zooplankton, which in turn feed larger organisms. Warmer and more acidic ocean water can stress and reduce the abundance of phytoplankton, which can have harmful effects on the entire food web.