Microscopic Organisms:
* Phytoplankton: These are tiny algae that form the base of the marine food web. They are a major food source for many filter feeders.
* Zooplankton: These are tiny animals, including crustaceans, jellyfish larvae, and other small invertebrates.
* Bacteria: Bacteria are abundant in the ocean and can be a significant food source for some filter feeders.
Larger Organisms:
* Detritus: This refers to dead organic matter, such as decaying plants and animals. Filter feeders can extract nutrients from detritus.
* Sediment: Some filter feeders can extract organic matter from sediment.
* Small Fish: Larger filter feeders, such as baleen whales, can filter out small fish from the water.
Specific Examples:
* Krill: These tiny crustaceans are filter feeders that eat phytoplankton and zooplankton.
* Barnacles: These sessile creatures filter out plankton and detritus from the water.
* Whales: Baleen whales, such as humpback whales and blue whales, use their baleen plates to filter out krill and other small organisms from the water.
It's important to remember that filter feeders play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. They help to keep the water clean and clear by removing organic matter and contribute to the food web by consuming a variety of organisms.