Texas A&M University (TAMU) BIOL111 Introductory Biology I Exam 3 Practice Exam

Primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, such as phytoplankton and aquatic plants, convert sunlight into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, these organisms utilize sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The glucose produced serves as a form of chemical energy that can be utilized by the producers themselves for growth and metabolism, and it also forms the foundational energy source for other organisms in the ecosystem, including herbivores and higher trophic levels.

This conversion is crucial for the energy flow in ecosystems, as it establishes the basis for the food web. The energy captured in the form of chemical bonds within glucose can then be stored and transferred through various levels of consumers, highlighting the fundamental role of primary producers in supporting aquatic life.