Which of the following statements is True?
A)An ecosystem's trophic structure determines the rate at which energy cycles within the system.
B)At any point in time, it is impossible for consumers to outnumber producers in an ecosystem.
C)Chemoautotrophic prokaryotes near deep-sea vents are primary producers.
D)There has been a well-documented increase in atmospheric nitrogen over the past several decades.
E)The reservoir of ecosystem phosphorous is the atmosphere.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chemoautotrophic prokaryotes near deep-sea vents are capable of producing organic compounds without sunlight via chemosynthesis, making them primary producers in their ecosystem. A is incorrect, as it is the rate of energy flow that determines the trophic structure. B is incorrect, as the number of consumers can and often does exceed the number of producers in an ecosystem. D is incorrect, as nitrogen levels have remained relatively stable in recent decades. E is incorrect, as the primary reservoir of phosphorous in an ecosystem is not the atmosphere, but rather rocks and soil.

Which of the Following Statements Is True