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 are able to synthesize organic compounds using energy obtained from the oxidation of inorganic compounds, and therefore act as primary producers in some ecosystems, such as those found near deep-sea vents.

Which of the Following Statements Is True