Which of the following best describes the role of chemosynthetic microbes at hydrothermal vents and cold seeps?
(a) Microbes use sunlight to convert inorganic carbon to organic molecules, providing food for other animals.
(b) Microbes use chemical energy from vents and seeps to convert inorganic carbon into organic molecules, providing food for other organisms.
(c) Microbes use chemical energy from organic carbon to convert it into inorganic molecules, sustaining the ecosystem.
(d) Microbes consume organic molecules from surrounding water to convert them into food for other animals.

Question

Which of the following best describes the role of chemosynthetic microbes at hydrothermal vents and cold seeps?
(a) Microbes use sunlight to convert inorganic carbon to organic molecules, providing food for other animals.
(b) Microbes use chemical energy from vents and seeps to convert inorganic carbon into organic molecules, providing food for other organisms.
(c) Microbes use chemical energy from organic carbon to convert it into inorganic molecules, sustaining the ecosystem.
(d) Microbes consume organic molecules from surrounding water to convert them into food for other animals.

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Chemosynthetic microbes at hydrothermal vents and cold seeps do not rely on sunlight for energy, but instead harness chemical energy released from reactions at these locations (such as sulfur or methane) to convert inorganic carbon (like carbon dioxide) into organic molecules (food). These organic molecules are then used by other organisms in the ecosystem, forming the basis of the food chain.

Microbiology

Chemosynthetic microbes at hydrothermal vents and cold seeps

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Which of the following best describes the role of chemosynthetic microbes at hydrothermal vents and cold seeps? (a) Microbes use sunlight to convert inorganic carbon to organic molecules, providing food for other animals. (b) Microbes use chemical energy from vents and seeps to convert inorganic carbon into organic molecules, providing food for other organisms. (c) Microbes use chemical energy from organic carbon to convert it into inorganic molecules, sustaining the ecosystem. (d) Microbes consume organic molecules from surrounding water to convert them into food for other animals.