Question

How do brine shrimp colonies affect the carbon cycle?

A) They release carbon dioxide through respiration, increasing carbon dioxide levels in the water.
B) They absorb excess carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, reducing carbon dioxide levels in the water.
C) They have no impact on the carbon cycle.
D) They release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the water.

Answer 1

Brine shrimp contribute to the carbon cycle through respiration by releasing carbon dioxide into the water, impacting carbon levels and influencing aquatic environmental chemistry.Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of brine shrimp in the carbon cycle is primarily through the mechanism of respiration, in which they release carbon dioxide (CO2) into the water. This is a part of the natural process where animals and other non-photosynthetic organisms contribute to the cycling of carbon by converting organic molecules back into CO2. This gaseous exchange is critical for maintaining the balance of carbon in the ecosystem. While brine shrimp do not participate in the process of photosynthesis, their respiration does affect carbon levels in the water, altering the chemistry and potentially influencing the availability of carbon for other organisms in aquatic environments.