Question

How do some deep-water bacteria in the ocean make food? A) photosynthesis C) respiration B) chemosynthesis D) rifting

Short answer

B) chemosynthesis

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

Identify that the question is asking about a method some deep-water bacteria use to produce food in the ocean.

Review the Options

Consider the options: A) photosynthesis, C) respiration, B) chemosynthesis, D) rifting. Understand that each option represents a different biological or geological process.

Evaluate Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis requires sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Deep-water bacteria do not have access to sunlight, so this option is unlikely.

Evaluate Respiration

Respiration is a metabolic process where organisms consume oxygen and organic compounds to produce energy. It does not explain how food is initially made, so it's not the primary method for food production.

Evaluate Chemosynthesis

Chemosynthesis is a process by which certain organisms, including deep-water bacteria, produce food using chemical reactions, often with inorganic compounds like hydrogen sulfide, which are abundant in deep-sea environments.

Evaluate Rifting

Rifting is a geological process where tectonic plates move apart and form new crust. It is unrelated to how bacteria make food.

Determine the Correct Answer

Based on the evaluations, chemosynthesis is the process used by some deep-water bacteria to make food using chemical energy instead of sunlight.

Key concepts

Deep-Water Bacteria

Deep-water bacteria are fascinating organisms thriving in the ocean's most extreme environments. Unlike most life on Earth, these bacteria do not rely on sunlight to produce food, as sunlight cannot penetrate the deep ocean. Instead, they have adapted to survive in these dark, high-pressure conditions. These bacteria can often be found near hydrothermal vents or cold seeps, where they utilize the chemicals released from the Earth's crust. Here, the bacteria play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. They convert these chemicals into energy through a process known as chemosynthesis, which is essential for sustaining themselves and other organisms in these deep-sea environments.

Food Production Methods

In the deep ocean, where sunlight is absent, organisms must find alternative methods to produce food. This is where chemosynthesis comes in. Unlike photosynthesis, which uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, chemosynthesis relies on chemical energy.

• Chemosynthesis involves the oxidation of inorganic molecules such as hydrogen sulfide, methane, or ammonia. This chemical reaction produces energy, which deep-water bacteria use to convert carbon molecules into organic matter.
• These bacteria act as primary producers by providing essential nutrients for other organisms in the food chain.
• As a result, chemosynthesis forms the foundation of some unique oceanic ecosystems, supporting a diverse range of life in complete darkness.

Oceanic Ecosystems

Oceanic ecosystems are complex and dynamic, especially when it comes to the mysterious world of the deep sea. In these habitats, energy flow and food production are primarily driven by processes like chemosynthesis.
Unlike the sunlit surface waters, where photosynthesis fuels life, deep-sea ecosystems rely on the chemical energy harnessed by bacteria. These ecosystems support various organisms, including giant tube worms, clams, and shrimp, all of which depend on the chemosynthetic bacteria for survival.

• The bacteria form symbiotic relationships with many deep-sea creatures, supplying them with necessary organic compounds.
• These interactions highlight the interconnectedness and adaptability of oceanic life, showcasing how life can thrive in harsh conditions.
• By understanding these ecosystems, scientists gain insight into Earth's biodiversity and the potential for life in similar extreme environments elsewhere in the universe.