Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into glucose. They are the primary producers in the ocean food chain, and they serve as the base of the food chain for all other marine organisms. Zooplankton are microscopic animals that feed on phytoplankton. They are eaten by fish, which in turn are eaten by larger predators such as marine mammals.
The photic zone is also home to a variety of other marine organisms, such as coral reefs, kelp forests, and seagrass beds. These habitats are important for providing shelter and food for a wide variety of marine life.