What role do native zooplankton play in the Great Lakes ecosystem?

Native zooplankton play a crucial role in the Great Lakes ecosystem primarily by serving as a food source for various fish species. These small, often microscopic organisms are an integral part of the aquatic food web. As they feed on phytoplankton and other microorganisms, they convert the energy stored in these primary producers into a form that is accessible to larger animals, such as fish.

This relationship is vital for the overall health of the ecosystem. For instance, fish populations rely on the availability of abundant zooplankton as a primary food source during their early life stages, significantly influencing their growth and survival rates. By providing nutrition to these fish, native zooplankton help maintain the balance of the ecosystem, supporting both the biodiversity of the Great Lakes and the fishing industries dependent on healthy fish stocks.

In contrast, while native zooplankton do not produce oxygen or clean the water in the same way that plants do, their role in nutrient cycling and as a food source establishes them as a key component of the freshwater ecosystem dynamics.