Passage:
In deep-sea microbial ecology, the 'viral shunt' refers to the process by which viral lysis of marine microorganisms diverts organic carbon from higher trophic levels back into dissolved organic matter. Early oceanographic models assumed that viral lysis in abyssal benthic sediments primarily inhibited long-term carbon sequestration by preventing organic matter from being buried in sub-seafloor strata. However, recent sediment-core analyses reveal a more intricate dynamic: while viral destruction of prokaryotic biomass releases labile nutrients into benthic porewater, it simultaneously stimulates the abiotic polymerization of refractory organic compounds. These recalcitrant complexes resist enzymatic decomposition by benthic bacteria and bind tightly to clay minerals. Consequently, in sediment layers characterized by high viral activity, the rate of persistent organic carbon immobilization is substantially elevated relative to layers dominated by protistan grazing, despite a localized reduction in net microbial biomass creation.
Based on the passage, evaluate whether the following statement is true or false:
Sediment layers in abyssal environments where viral lysis is prevalent retain a higher proportion of carbon in long-term, decomposition-resistant mineral complexes than layers where protistan grazing predominates.
Answer: Answer