What do the tube worms of the hydrothermal vent communities directly rely on for their survival?
A) pelagic organic debris settling slowly from the sea surface and local decaying organic matter from crabs, clams, fish, and stupid marine biologists
B) photosynthesis from weak sunlight filtering down to the seafloor
C) symbiotic chemosynthetic (sulphur based) bacteria residing in their trophosomes (guts)
D) direct chemical oxidation of sulphide minerals by their root- like, chitinous tube- feet

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tube worms in hydrothermal vent communities rely on symbiotic chemosynthetic bacteria that live in their trophosomes (a specialized organ) for their survival. These bacteria convert the chemicals from the hydrothermal vents into organic compounds that the worms can use for nourishment.

What Do the Tube Worms of the Hydrothermal Vent Communities