Which is correct food chain?
A
Phytoplankton $$\rightarrow$$ Fishes $$\rightarrow$$ Zooplankton
B
Zooplankton $$\rightarrow$$ Phytoplankton $$\rightarrow$$ Fishes
C
Phytoplankton $$\rightarrow$$ Zooplankton $$\rightarrow$$ Fishes
D
Fishes $$\rightarrow$$ Zooplankton $$\rightarrow$$ Phytoplankton
Correct option is C. Phytoplankton $$\rightarrow$$ Zooplankton $$\rightarrow$$ Fishes
An ecosystem consists of living and nonliving components. In pond ecosystem, phytoplankton are primary producers which prepare their own food. These are eaten by zooplankton which is further eaten by small fish which is then eaten by large fish. Hence, phytoplankton is a component of pond ecosystem present at the first trophic level. Zooplankton occupies the second trophic level. Small fishes occupy the third trophic level in a food chain.
Thus, the correct answer is 'Phytoplankton → Zooplankton → Fishes.'