Question

What are the major roles of protists in (aquatic) ecosystems?

A. Protists primarily serve as top predators, controlling the population of other microorganisms.
B. Protists are responsible for maintaining oxygen levels in aquatic ecosystems.
C. Protists play a key role in nutrient cycling, including the recycling of carbon compounds.
D. Protists are primarily responsible for the breakdown of large organic matter in aquatic ecosystems.

Answer 1

Protists in aquatic ecosystems serve as primary producers, decomposers, and food sources for other organisms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Protists play critically important ecological roles in aquatic ecosystems. They serve as both primary producers, generating biomass through photosynthesis, and decomposers, breaking down organic matter. Additionally, protists are a valuable food source for many other organisms in the food chain.