A diverse ecosystem has been found around hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor. Sunlight does not reach these deep locations in the ocean, so these ecosystems rely on chemosynthesis. Chemosynthesis is a process where organisms obtain energy from chemicals and not sunlight.

Question

How does this information revise our understanding of energy flow in ecosystems?

(1 point)
Responses

It refutes the claim that all energy that supports life on Earth originates from the sun.
It refutes the claim that all energy that supports life on Earth originates from the sun.

It supports the idea that all life on Earth depends on sunlight as the origin of energy.
It supports the idea that all life on Earth depends on sunlight as the origin of energy.

It confirms that hydrothermal vents are the primary source of energy for ocean organisms.
It confirms that hydrothermal vents are the primary source of energy for ocean organisms.

It suggests that chemosynthesis is more common than photosynthesis for energy production in all ecosystems.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

It refutes the claim that all energy that supports life on Earth originates from the sun.

This information highlights that ecosystems, such as those around hydrothermal vents, can rely on chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis, indicating that certain life forms can thrive in the absence of sunlight by using chemical energy instead.