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) radioactive rocks.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ultimate source of energy for communities of the hydrothermal vents is provided by chemoautotrophic prokaryotes. These organisms are able to produce organic material by using the energy derived from chemical reactions involving inorganic molecules, such as hydrogen sulfide, which is abundant in hydrothermal vent environments. This process does not rely on sunlight, making it the primary source of energy in the deep-sea ecosystems around hydrothermal vents.

The Ultimate Source of Energy for the Communities of the Hydrothermal