Which food source can be utilized but requires a sufficient supply of water?

The correct answer is plankton. Plankton refers to a diverse group of organisms that drift in water bodies and play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems. They require a sufficient supply of water because they thrive in marine environments, where they utilize the water not just as a habitat, but also as a medium for the availability of nutrients and sunlight for photosynthetic plankton.

Plankton includes both phytoplankton, which are plant-like and perform photosynthesis, and zooplankton, which are small animals that feed on phytoplankton or other zooplankton. Their life processes, including reproduction and growth, are directly tied to water availability. Insufficient water would hinder their growth and survival, making it impossible for them to serve as a reliable food source. This characteristic underlines their dependency on aquatic environments for sustenance and reproduction, distinguishing them from the other options listed.