In a typical aquatic food chain, which of the following organisms occupies the second trophic level?

Step-by-step solution

In an aquatic ecosystem, the grazing food chain typically follows this sequence: Phytoplankton Zooplankton Small fishes Large fishes The first trophic level ( T₁ ) is occupied by producers, which are the phytoplankton. The second trophic level ( T₂ ) is occupied by primary consumers, which are the zooplankton. Small fishes act as secondary consumers and occupy the third trophic level ( T₃ ), while large fishes act as tertiary consumers at the fourth trophic level ( T₄ ). Students often confuse the second trophic le