Synechococcus, a cyanobacterium, is a free-living marine organism that fixes CO₂ into biomass while producing molecular oxygen utilized by swarms of heterotrophic bacteria. Its biomass provides food for protists and predators. What is the niche of this organism? A) phototroph in the open ocean B) base of the food chain C) nitrogen assimilation for the ocean environment D) all of the above E) none of the above

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Synechococcus has a diverse range of roles in the marine environment, as it is a phototroph in the open ocean and is at the base of the food chain. It also plays a crucial role in nitrogen assimilation for the ocean environment. Therefore, the correct choice is D, all of the above.

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