An ecosystem based on chemoautotrophs exists 2,500 meters below the ocean surface near the Galápagos Islands.These archaea
A) use light as energy and obtain carbon from carbon dioxide.
B) use light as energy and obtain organic compounds from other organisms.
C) oxidize inorganic substances for energy and obtain carbon from carbon dioxide.
D) rely on organic compounds for both energy and carbon.
E) oxidize organic compounds for energy and obtain carbon from carbon dioxide.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chemoautotrophs are organisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic substances, rather than using light (like phototrophs). The fact that these organisms are located 2,500 meters below the ocean surface, where no light can penetrate, suggests that they are not using energy from light. Additionally, chemoautotrophs obtain their carbon from carbon dioxide, rather than from organic compounds. Therefore, the best choice is C: "oxidize inorganic substances for energy and obtain carbon from carbon dioxide."

An Ecosystem Based on Chemoautotrophs Exists 2,500 Meters Below the Ocean