Explore trophic levels and energy flow in ocean ecosystems.
Only about 10% of energy transfers between trophic levels (10% rule). Producers (phytoplankton) form the base. Primary consumers (zooplankton) eat producers. Secondary consumers (small fish) eat primary consumers. Tertiary/apex predators (sharks, orcas) sit at the top. Removing an apex predator causes a trophic cascade.