Question

a large algal bloom in the chesapeake bay caused a significant drop in nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron levels in the water. as a result, phytoplankton became scarce, since they rely on these nutrients to survive. because changes in the population of producers impact the entire food web, which three organisms would be directly affected by the decrease in phytoplankton? tundra swan, wading birds, and vegetation large piscivorous fish, osprey, and bald eagles benthic invertebrates, small planktivorous fish, and bivalves

Explanation:

Phytoplankton are primary producers. Organisms that directly consume phytoplankton (like benthic invertebrates, small planktivorous fish, and bivalves which are planktivores) would be directly affected. Tundra swan's diet is not mainly phytoplankton (they may eat aquatic plants etc.), wading birds may have more varied diets not centered on phytoplankton. Vegetation is a land - based producer. Large piscivorous fish eat other fish (not directly phytoplankton), osprey and bald eagles are higher - level consumers (eat fish etc.).

Answer:

benthic invertebrates, small planktivorous fish, and bivalves