Deep below the surface of the ocean are communities that thrive without even a trace of sunlight. The trick is something called chemosynthetic bacteria. These bacteria are released by hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor, which are vents that are very hot and are able to chemically produce their own energy. Very small organisms, like tube worms, shrimp, mussels and clams, come to feed on the bacteria from the vents. Then, there are crabs that eat the bacteria but also eat shrimp, mussels, clams, and tube worms. Last, there is the vent octopus, which will eat everything.
Which oceanic organism has a role most similar to that of the zebra?
a
chemosynthetic bacteria
b
hydrothermal vent
c
octopus
d
clam
The clam has a role most similar to that of the zebra. Just like the zebra, the clam is a primary consumer that feeds on the chemosynthetic bacteria from the hydrothermal vents. Similarly, the zebra is a primary consumer that feeds on grass and other vegetation in its habitat.
aNSWER
I apologize for the error in my response. The correct answer is d) clam. Just like zebras are herbivores that feed on vegetation in their environment, clams are filter feeders that feed on the chemosynthetic bacteria present in their deep ocean habitat. Thank you for pointing that out.
