Question

What is the central idea of the passage?

a) Hydrothermal vents form in the depths of the ocean when the Earth's tectonic plates shift and move apart.
b) Scientists studying hydrothermal vents are modern-day pioneers because they travel to places where no one has ever been.
c) Hydrothermal vents support a variety of organisms that have adapted to the conditions of the deepest parts of the ocean.
d) The discovery of hydrothermal vents suggests that not all life is dependent upon the Sun for energy.

Answer 1

The central idea of the passage is that hydrothermal vents support a variety of organisms that have adapted to the conditions of the deepest parts of the ocean.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central idea of the passage is that hydrothermal vents support a variety of organisms that have adapted to the conditions of the deepest parts of the ocean.

Hydrothermal vents release hot water filled with minerals and chemicals, which provide a rich source of chemical energy. Bacteria feed on this energy and form the base of a food chain, supporting thriving communities of animals.

These organisms have adapted to the harsh environment around hydrothermal vents, which is toxic, under high pressure, very cold, and completely dark. Despite these challenges, the vents support diverse species that cannot be found elsewhere on Earth.