Question

Phytoplankton are producers in the ocean. These photosynthetic organisms support many consumers and a large marine food web. The flow of energy and matter extends deep into the ocean, even though sunlight cannot reach these areas. The diagram below shows how energy and matter flow in one marine ecosystem.

flow of energy and matter in a deep ocean ecosystem
Image modified courtesy of Office of Biological and Environmental Research of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science

What are the boundaries of the ecosystem shown in the diagram?
A.
only microscopic organisms that include bacteria and archaea
B.
organisms that live from deep oceans to the seafloor
C.
areas of ocean that contain zooplankton and sunlight
D.
decomposers that survive on sinking particles from shallow waters

Answer 1

The boundaries of the ecosystem shown in the diagram likely refer to the organisms and environmental factors that define that specific marine ecosystem. Based on the options provided, the most appropriate answer would be:

**B. organisms that live from deep oceans to the seafloor**

This option encompasses the range of organisms that inhabit the deep ocean and include various trophic levels, extending down to the seafloor.