Primary food source for abyssal organisms?
Phytodetritus? Just a guess.... :)
Phytodetritus is the major food source for abyssal benthic communities.
choice of dead whales and other larger orgainsms which fall to the bottome or the rain of detritus and nutrients from the upper sunlighted layers.
Phytodetritus is indeed a major food source for abyssal organisms. It consists of the remains of dead phytoplankton, algae, and other small organisms that sink to the ocean floor. These particles provide nutrients and energy for abyssal benthic communities.
To arrive at this answer, you can start by understanding the term "abyssal." Abyssal refers to the depths of the ocean, typically below 3,000 meters where there is no sunlight. This zone is characterized by low temperatures, high pressure, and a lack of photosynthesis, which means that organisms here rely on organic matter that sinks from surface waters as their main food source.
Next, you can consider the primary sources of organic matter that reach the abyssal depths. One significant source is phytodetritus. Phytoplankton and other microscopic algae in surface waters produce organic matter through photosynthesis.
As these organisms die or shed parts of their bodies, their remains sink to the ocean floor, forming a continuous supply of organic particles known as phytodetritus. This detritus is often rich in nutrients and serves as a vital source of food for abyssal organisms.
In addition to phytodetritus, larger carcasses, such as dead whales and other organisms that sink to the bottom, can also provide a food source for abyssal organisms. These carcasses create localized hotspots of nutrients and energy, supporting diverse communities of scavengers and other organisms.
Furthermore, there is a continuous "rain" of detritus and nutrients from the upper, sunlit layers of the ocean, carried by ocean currents. This vertical transport of organic matter contributes to the availability of food in the abyssal zone.
So, in conclusion, the primary food source for abyssal organisms is phytodetritus, which includes the remains of dead phytoplankton and algae that sink from the surface waters. The presence of larger carcasses and the input of detritus and nutrients from upper layers further add to the food supply for abyssal benthic communities.