The ultimate source of energy for the communities of the hydrothermal vents is provided by:
A) hot seawater.
B) sinking detritus from the surface waters.
C) photosynthesis.
D) chemoautotrophic prokaryotes.
E) eel grass.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chemoautotrophic prokaryotes use chemical energy from the oxidation of inorganic molecules, such as hydrogen sulfide, found in hydrothermal vent environments to produce organic matter, serving as the primary energy source for the vent communities.

The Ultimate Source of Energy for the Communities of the Hydrothermal