Though taxonomically classified alongside active predators, the deep-sea cephalopod *Vampyroteuthis infernalis* (the vampire squid) employs a passive detrital feeding strategy unique among its relatives. Inhabiting the ocean's oxygen minimum zone—a region of extreme hypoxia—the species cannot sustain the metabolic demands of active hunting. Instead, it deploys two long, retractile sensory filaments to capture falling marine snow, which comprises sinking organic debris such as fecal pellets and planktonic remains. Once these particulates accumulate on the sticky filaments, the squid retracts them, utilizing its arms' specialized, finger-like projections called cirri to scrape the collected debris from the filaments and transfer it to its mouth. This low-energy dietary adaptation allows the organism to occupy a physiological niche that excludes typical marine predators.
Based on the text, what is true of the cirri of *Vampyroteuthis infernalis*?
- They are used to scrape accumulated organic debris off the squid's sensory filaments.Answer
- BThey are extended directly into the water column to intercept falling planktonic remains.
- CThey assist the squid in actively capturing live prey when oxygen levels rise.
- DThey generate the propulsion necessary for the squid to escape from active predators in the oxygen minimum zone.