Synechococcus, a cyanobacterium, is a free-living marine organism that fixes CO₂ into biomass while producing molecular oxygen utilized by swarms of heterotrophic bacteria. Which of the following is the most likely habitat of this bacterium? A) euphotic zone of the pelagic environment B) the benthos C) the littoral zone D) lake sediments E) aphotic zone

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Synechococcus is a photosynthetic cyanobacterium, which means it requires light to fix carbon dioxide. Therefore, the most likely habitat for this bacterium is the euphotic zone of the pelagic environment, where there is sufficient light for photosynthesis. The other options (benthos, littoral zone, lake sediments, and aphotic zone) are not suitable habitats for photosynthetic organisms.

Synechococcus, a Cyanobacterium, Is a Free-Living Marine Organism That Fixes