Phytoplankton are producers. They play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by converting sunlight into energy through the process of photosynthesis. This energy is then used to produce organic compounds, which form the base of the aquatic food web.
As producers, phytoplankton are essential for the survival of many marine organisms. They are consumed by zooplankton, which in turn are eaten by larger animals such as fish and whales. Without phytoplankton, the entire marine food chain would collapse.
Unlike consumers, which obtain energy by eating other organisms, and decomposers, which break down dead organic matter, phytoplankton generate their own energy from sunlight. This makes them the primary producers in aquatic environments.