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In most ecosystems, the biomass of a trophic level is higher than the biomass of its predators, as illustrated below by an upright pyramid of biomass. In the open ocean, however, the biomass of primary producers (microscopic algae) is often lower than the biomass of higher trophic levels (for example, zooplankton and fish), as illustrated below by an inverted pyramid of biomass. In the open ocean, how can there be enough food to support the higher trophic levels?

A)  The microscopic primary producers are a source of food of high quality.

B)  The microscopic primary producers have high rates of growth and reproduction.

C)  The higher trophic levels are cold-blooded animals which do not require much food.

D)  The higher trophic levels are efficient predators.