You are studying a mini-ecosystem that you created from samples of lake water, plants, and sediment. Your teacher tells you to drop about 10 sesame seeds on the top of the water because they will attract some interesting organisms. One week later, you see that the seeds are surrounded by white fuzz that is extending off of the seeds, and you conclude that the decomposing seeds have been colonized by
A) diatoms.
B) brown algae.
C) unikonts.
D) water molds.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The white fuzz and the fact that the seeds are decomposing suggest the colonization by water molds, which are known for their ability to decompose dead organic matter in aquatic environments. Diatoms and brown algae are photosynthetic organisms, and unikonts is a broad group that includes single-celled amoebas, fungi, and animals, none of which are known for colonizing decomposing organic material in aquatic environments.

You Are Studying a Mini-Ecosystem That You Created from Samples