Diatoms are mostly asexual members of the phytoplankton. They obtain their nutrition from functional chloroplasts, and each diatom is encased within two porous, glass-like valves. Which question would be most important for one interested in the day-to-day survival of individual diatoms?
A) How does carbon dioxide get into these protists with their glass-like valves?
B) How do diatoms get transported from one location on the water's surface layers to another location on the surface?
C) How do diatoms with their glass-like valves keep from sinking into poorly lit waters?
D) How do diatoms with their glass-like valves avoid being shattered by the action of waves?
E) How do diatom sperm cells locate diatom egg cells?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Poorly lit waters can affect the survival of diatoms since they rely on photosynthesis to produce their own food. The question about how diatoms with their glass-like valves keep from sinking into poorly lit waters would be most relevant to understanding their day-to-day survival.

Diatoms Are Mostly Asexual Members of the Phytoplankton