What is the basis for life in the hydrothermal vent community?

a. The heated waters surrounding the vents
b. Chemosynthetic organisms
c. Whale falls
d. The biological productivity of the water above


ANS: B
The bottom water in these communities is enriched with hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and
oxygen. The specialized Archaea and bacteria are chemosynthesizers which provide the base of the
hydrothermal vent food webs. Information can be found in the section Examples of Marine
Communities

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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