Question

Hydrothermal vents, submarine hot springs, and methane cold seeps release heat and chemicals deep below the surface of the ocean. Surprisingly, the areas around these sites are able to support ecosystems. Based on this information, such ocean ecosystems most likely contain A. primary consumers that obtain energy from photosynthetic plants. B. primary producers that create energy from oxidizing chemicals. C. primary producers that obtain energy from photosynthetic plants. D. primary consumers that create energy from oxidizing chemicals.

Answer 1

Ocean ecosystems around hydrothermal vents support thriving communities of living things, including primary consumers that create energy from oxidizing chemicals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ocean ecosystems around hydrothermal vents, submarine hot springs, and methane cold seeps are able to support thriving communities of living things. These ecosystems contain chemoautotrophic bacteria that synthesize complex organic molecules, such as glucose, using energy from inorganic compounds like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) released from the vents. The rest of the ecosystem, including primary consumers like swimming shrimp, squat lobsters, and vent mussels, obtain energy from these bacteria, making option D. primary consumers that create energy from oxidizing chemicals the correct answer.

Answer 2

Primary producers that create energy from oxidizing chemicals. (Ans. B).

Step-by-step explanation:

Hydrothermal vents, submarine hot springs form as a result of volcanic activity on the ocean floor. Cracks occur in the Earth's crust, water seeps dissolving minerals and evolves superheated from.

Through the process of chemosynthesis, some specialized species such as crabs, shrimp, slugs, etc generate energy from the H2S (hydrogen sulfide) which is present in the mineral abundant water splashing out of the vents. These bacteria are able to support ecosystems as a primary producer form the bottom level of the food chain in which all other animals are dependent.