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Phytoplankton by definition are autotrophic photosynthetic protists (eukaryotic single-celled organisms), who use mineral nutrients and atmospheric CO2 , and energy from sunlight to produce organic carbon compounds, later on used as energy source in respiration. So in their ecosystem they position as primary producers.
Herbivores are organisms feeding on phytoplankton, most commonly either rotifers or crustaceans. They are called zooplankton. So herbivory in aqueous ecosystems represents the kind of predator-prey interaction, where prey is algae or bacteria, and predators are either members of zooplankton, or sometimes also Protozoa (ciliates, nanoflagellates), or alveolates (dinoflagellates). Because the latter two can also be itself autotrophic and prey for other herbivores, those relations are little bit mixed up, when it comes to phytoplankton and herbivory.
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Are zooplankton herbivores?
Zooplankton can be herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores. Some zooplankton species primarily feed on phytoplankton, which are microscopic plants, making them herbivores. Other zooplankton species may feed on smaller animals or detritus, classifying them as carnivores or omnivores.
Is plankton a herbivore?
Plankton can include both herbivores and carnivores. Phytoplankton are plant-like plankton that primarily obtain energy through photosynthesis and are considered herbivores. However, zooplankton are animal-like plankton that feed on phytoplankton and are considered carnivores.
Are zooplankton herbivores omnivores or carnivores?
Zooplankton can be herbivores, omnivores, or carnivores. Some feed on phytoplankton and other plant matter (herbivores), some feed on a mix of plant and animal matter (omnivores), and others primarily consume other zooplankton or small animals (carnivores).
Are invertebrates herbivores carnivores or omnivores?
Invertebrates can be herbivores, carnivores or omnivores. Caterpillars are herbivores, for example, while spiders are carnivores.
Are goats herbivores or carnivores?
Goats eat grass and shrubs, this makes them herbivores
How will the herbivores help carnivores?
Carnivores eat meat. Herbivores ARE meat.
How do carnivores depend on producers?
Carnivores depend on them because herbivores eat the producers and the carnivores eat the herbivores.
Are jellyfish herbivores or carnivores?
carnivores
Are crocrodile herbivores?
No they are carnivores.
What are cheetahs - herbivores or carnivores?
Carnivores.
Are orcas carnivores or herbivores?
Carnivores
Are crow carnivores or herbivores?
carnivores
