Zooxanthellae

single-celled organisms that live in the tissue of corals and provide energy to the corals (M2)

Trophic levels

pathways and levels through which nutrients and energy flow between organisms (M2)

Tertiary consumers

predators that feed on secondary consumers and comprise the fourth trophic level of marine food webs (M2)

Secondary consumers

carnivores; animals that eat primary consumers and comprise the third trophic level in marine food webs (M2)

Primary consumers

herbivores; animals that eat algae and comprise the second trophic level in marine food webs (M2)

Plankton

tiny organisms that float freely through the ocean or freshwater (M2)

Photosynthesis

formation of carbohydrates in the chlorophyll-containing tissues of plants and corals exposed to light (M2)