^w^ Microscopic free-floating plants called phytoplankton float near the surface and capture the energy of the sun to produce carbohydrates and release oxygen into the water.
^w^ A group of small creatures called `zooplankton` graze on the aquatic plants and feed the `carnivores`, or meat eaters, of the ocean.
^w^ Small fish consume huge numbers of zooplankton and one another. Most small fish eat any food that seems to be an appropriate size.
^w^ Big fish, tuna, swordfish, and small sharks eat the little fish, as do the seals and some of the sea birds.
^w^ The big sharks and some toothed whales are at the top of the food chain. There are very few of these giants and they feed on the large fish, particularly the weak and wounded.
