QuestionEcology / chemosynthesis
Chemosynthetic bacteria found near sub-marine volcanic vents feed on:
- (a) Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S).
- (b) Organic matter.
- (c) Deep sea tube worms.
- (d) Inorganic carbon.
Answer: (a) Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S).
Vent bacteria are chemosynthetic: they oxidise H₂S to get energy and use it to fix CO₂. H₂S is the energy source they 'feed' on. Tube worms (Riftia) host these bacteria; they are not their food. Remember: chemosynthesis = energy from inorganic oxidation, not light.