Diatoms are mostly asexual members of the phytoplankton. Diatoms lack any organelles that provide for locomotion. They obtain their nutrition from functional chloroplasts, and each diatom is encased within two porous, glasslike valves. Which question would be most important for one interested in explaining the day-to-day survival of individual diatoms?
A) How do diatoms move from one location on the water's surface layers to another location on the surface?
B) How do diatoms with their glasslike valves keep from sinking into poorly lit waters?
C) How do diatoms with their glasslike valves avoid being shattered by the action of waves?
D) How do diatom sperm cells locate diatom egg cells?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diatoms rely on light for photosynthesis, so their ability to remain in well-lit waters rather than sinking into poorly lit waters is crucial for their day-to-day survival.

Diatoms Are Mostly Asexual Members of the Phytoplankton