The Blood Falls ecosystem is driven by microbes that reduce ________ and others that oxidize ________.
A) nitrogen; iron
B) phosphorus; nitrogen
C) iron; sulfur
D) sulfur; nitrogen
E) carbon; sulfur

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Blood Falls ecosystem is comprised of two types of bacteria: those that reduce iron and those that oxidize sulfur. The reduced iron gives the blood-red appearance to the water flowing out of the glacier, while the oxidized sulfur provides the energy for the bacteria. Therefore, option C is the correct answer as it states that the ecosystem is driven by microbes that reduce iron and ones that oxidize sulfur.

The Blood Falls Ecosystem Is Driven by Microbes That Reduce