In the Water Column

Question

In the water column
A) Bacteria consume far more dissolved nutrients than do phytoplankton
B) Bacteria are consumed mainly by larger zooplankton
C) Bacteria are consumed by protozoans, which provides a link to the rest
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Bacteria in the water column are primarily consumed by protozoans, such as ciliates and flagellates, rather than larger zooplankton. This consumption forms a crucial link in the aquatic food web, connecting microbial processes to higher trophic levels.