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Difficulty: MediumIdentifying Hypotheses and Beliefs

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents support complex ecosystems in the complete absence of solar radiation. Scientists propose two models to explain how primary producers (microorganisms) at the base of these food webs obtain energy.

*Model 1*
One group of scientists hypothesizes that primary producers near hydrothermal vents utilize the geothermal radiation (specifically infrared light) emitted by superheated vent fluids as their primary energy source. They believe that these microbes possess specialized pigments capable of capturing low-energy geothermal photons to drive a unique form of geothermal photosynthesis.

*Model 2*
Another group of scientists argues that geothermal radiation is too weak to support the high biomass observed at vents. They hypothesize that primary producers rely entirely on chemical energy. According to this model, the microbes obtain energy by oxidizing dissolved inorganic compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide (_\text{H}_2\text{S}), and use this energy to convert carbon dioxide (_\text{CO}_2) into organic molecules.

Based on the models provided, is the following statement true or false?
"According to Model 2, the primary producers at deep-sea hydrothermal vents utilize specialized pigments to capture geothermal infrared photons as their primary energy source."

Answer: Answer

Answer

False
The statement is false because it misattributes the hypothesis of Model 1 to Model 2. Model 1 proposes that primary producers use specialized pigments to capture geothermal infrared photons. In contrast, Model 2 states that geothermal radiation is too weak to support these organisms and hypothesizes that they obtain energy by oxidizing dissolved inorganic compounds like hydrogen sulfide.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the claim in the statement: the use of specialized pigments to capture geothermal infrared photons by primary producers.
The claim focuses on geothermal radiation (infrared photons) and pigment-based energy capture.
To determine which model supports or proposes this mechanism.
2
Analyze Model 1 and Model 2 to locate which model proposes this geothermal radiation hypothesis.
Model 1 states that primary producers utilize geothermal radiation and possess specialized pigments to capture infrared photons. Model 2 states that geothermal radiation is too weak and that they rely on chemical energy from oxidizing inorganic compounds.
Comparing the statement's claim with the described models to check alignment.
3
Determine if the statement correctly attributes the geothermal hypothesis to Model 2.
The statement incorrectly attributes Model 1's hypothesis to Model 2.
Since Model 2 explicitly rejects geothermal energy as the primary source, the statement is false.

Key Concept

Identifying Hypotheses and Beliefs
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Topics

Identifying Hypotheses and Beliefs

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