UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2021

Consider the following kinds of organisms: 1. Copepods 2. Cyanobacteria 3. Diatoms 4. Foraminifera Which of the above are primary producers in the food chains of oceans?

  1. 1 and 2
  2. 2 and 3
  3. 3 and 4
  4. 1 and 4

Answer

Correct Answer

2 and 3

Explanation

Primary producers synthesise organic matter by photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria and diatoms are photosynthetic phytoplankton forming the base of oceanic food chains. Copepods are zooplankton (consumers) and foraminifera are mostly heterotrophic protists.

Topics: ecology, environment, marine ecosystems, primary producers in ocean food chains