Question

The primary producers of the deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystem are

• A. coral reefs
• B. green algae
• C. chemosynthetic bacteria
• D. blue-green algae

Answer 1

The correct option is C chemosynthetic bacteria

Hydrothermal vents are located very deep on the ocean floor; these are like geysers, or hot springs where sunlight is unable to penetrate.

The primary producers of the deep sea hydro-thermal ecosystems are archaebacteria. These have chemosynthetic modes of nutrition. Instead of using light energy to convert carbon dioxide into sugars like green plants, they harvest chemical energy from the minerals and chemical compounds. This process is known as chemosynthesis.

Chemosynthetic bacteria use inorganic molecules, such as ammonia, molecular hydrogen, sulphur, hydrogen sulphide and ferrous iron, to produce the organic compounds needed for their sustenance.

The coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems of the world. They are usually formed in shallow ocean areas by algae and calcareous skeletons of certain coelenterates. The producers in these ecosystems include blue-green algae, brown algae and sea grasses.