Which statements best describe major coastal primary producers and the drivers of seasonal shifts?

• A. Coral and mangroves dominate; seasonal shifts driven by wind patterns.
• B. Phytoplankton dominates the pelagic zone; macroalgae and seagrasses dominate nearshore; seasonal blooms are driven by light, nutrients, and upwelling cycles.
• C. Zooplankton is the primary producer; seasonal shifts are driven by predator abundance.
• D. Diatoms and kelp dominate; seasonal blooms driven by salinity changes.

Answer: (B)