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In the ecosystem where mermaids are central, tiny phytoplankton are near the surface and capture sunlight. They also provide energy for small animals like zooplankton. Sardines and other small fish eat the zooplankton, while mermaids hunt these fish, crabs, and mollusks. Mermaids are the top predators. Marine bacteria break down dead matter, recycling nutrients to keep the ecosystem healthy. Coral reefs and seagrass beds create rich habitats that support a variety of marine life, making the ecosystem balanced and connected.

1. Producers: phytoplankton

2. Primary consumers: zooplankton

3. Secondary consumers: small fish (sardines, etc.)

4. Tertiary consumers: Orcas (Killer Whales)

5. Quaternary consumers: Mermaids

6. Decomposers: marine bacteria

7. Supporting organisms: sea turtles

8. Habitat engineers: coral reefs

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They are near the surface and capture sunlight, and they provide energy for small animals.

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They get energy from phytoplankton and the small fish (sardines, minnows, sunfish) eat these for their nutrients.

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The small fish are typically carnivores or omnivores that eat primary consumers. They feed on zooplankton and serve as pray for large predators (mermaids).

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The mermaids hunt fish, crabs, and small fish. Mermaids are intelligent marine omnivores, and they are on top of the food web.

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Tertiary Consumers: Orcas (Killer Whales)

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Tertiary Consumers: Orcas (Killer Whales)

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Orcas compete with mermaids for the top of the ecosystem, but mermaids occasionally pray on Orcas, so they are at the top. Orcas eat small fish and turtles.

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Decomposers break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients into the ecosystem. They are found on the ocean floor and they keep the ecosystem healthy.

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Sea turtles consume seagrass, preventing overgrowth that could harm the ecosystem. Their grazing allows producers like seagrass to thrive while maintaining habitat diversity.

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Coral Reefs provide habitat and shelter for countless marine species. They support producers (like algae) and serve as hunting grounds for predators.

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1. Underwater Climate: The water is warm, ranging between 68°F and 80°F. This temperature is perfect for supporting diverse marine life.

2. Salinity, Water Movement, Depth, & Water Color: The water is saltwater, with an average salinity of 35 parts per thousand (ppt). Gentle currents and tides flow through the ecosystem, circulating nutrients and oxygen. The ecosystem exists in shallow to mid-depth waters, between 30 and 150 feet. The water is a vibrant blue-green because of its clarity and the reflection of sunlight.

3. Amount of Sunlight: The ecosystem receives 6 to 12 hours of sunlight daily, depending on the season and location.

4. Aquatic Zone: Based on the amount of sunlight it receives daily, the ecosystem exists in the euphotic zone (sunlit zone), which extends to about 200 meters deep.

5. Water Source: The ecosystem is saltwater.

6. Freshwater: It is not directly connected to a freshwater source.

7. Seasonal Changes: Seasonal changes include increased phytoplankton growth in summer, slower production in winter, and nutrient-rich currents during storm seasons.

8. Impact of Primary Consumer Extinction: Without primary consumers, producers would overgrow, secondary consumers would starve, and the entire food web would collapse.

9. Impact of Decomposer Removal: Without decomposers, dead matter would accumulate, nutrient recycling would stop, and producers and the food web would decline rapidly.