What roles do native algae play in the Great Lakes ecosystem?

Native algae play several crucial roles in the Great Lakes ecosystem, and collectively, they contribute to the health and stability of this environment.

Firstly, native algae are primary producers, which means they convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis. This process produces oxygen as a byproduct, enriching the water with vital oxygen that supports various aquatic life forms.

Secondly, as the foundation of the food web, native algae provide essential nutrients for a wide array of organisms, from tiny zooplankton to larger fish species. Their presence sustains the entire food chain, ensuring the survival of these communities.

Additionally, algae play a role in carbon cycling by removing carbon dioxide from the water. Through photosynthesis, they absorb CO2, which helps regulate the carbon levels in the ecosystem and contributes to mitigating climate change.

Taken together, these functions indicate that native algae are integral to the ecosystem's health. Thus, the assertion that they produce oxygen, serve as a base of the food web, and remove carbon dioxide reflects their multifaceted importance in the Great Lakes environment. This makes the choice that encompasses all their roles the most comprehensive and accurate.