Answer: Phytoplankton biomass at any moment is less than that of zooplankton.
- A Decomposers store most biomass
- B Fish continuously produce far more biomass than the aquatic plants
- C Phytoplankton biomass at any moment is less than that of zooplankton
- D Sunlight cannot reach the water
Correct answer: C. Phytoplankton biomass at any moment is less than that of zooplankton
Explanation: Phytoplankton have a small standing biomass but reproduce rapidly, so the momentary biomass of producers is less than that of the consumers they support.
Energy pyramid showing a simple food chain (producer to herbivore to carnivore) with energy decreasing roughly tenfold at each trophic level.
Concept context
Ecosystems, food chains, energy flow, nutrient cycles, biodiversity, and conservation.