The following sentences are from a draft of an essay about marine biology. To ensure that the paragraph logically builds its claim that deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems rely on chemosynthesis, in what order should the sentences be placed?
- 1Far below the ocean's photic zone, where sunlight cannot penetrate, hydrothermal vents support thriving ecosystems that depend entirely on chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis.
- 2In these extreme environments, specialized bacteria oxidize toxic hydrogen sulfide spewing from the Earth's crust, converting it into organic matter.
- 3For example, giant tube worms () lack mouths and digestive tracts, relying instead on millions of these bacteria housed inside an organ called a trophosome to survive.
- 4Consequently, these chemosynthetic bacteria serve as the bedrock of a complex food web, supporting diverse communities of crabs, shrimp, and fish.
Answer
The correct sequence begins with the general claim about chemosynthetic ecosystems, followed by the explanation of how specialized bacteria generate energy, then the specific example of giant tube worms, and concludes with the overall impact on the food web.
The paragraph flows logically from the general thesis about chemosynthesis at hydrothermal vents, to the biological explanation of specialized bacteria, then to a specific species example (giant tube worms), and finally to the broader ecological conclusion.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Supporting Claims with Evidence and Details
Estimated Time:1m 30s