The giant isopod (*Bathynomus giganteus*) is a deep-sea crustacean that inhabits the cold, benthic zones of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Because food is scarce in these deep-sea environments, *B. giganteus* has adapted to function as a scavenger, feeding primarily on the carcasses of fallen whales, fish, and squid. When food is abundant, the isopod can gorge itself to the point of compromising its locomotive ability. Conversely, when resources are depleted, *B. giganteus* can survive long periods of starvation. In laboratory settings, researchers observed that captive giant isopods could survive for over five years without consuming any food, relying on their highly efficient, slow metabolic rates to sustain vital bodily functions during extended periods of resource scarcity.
Based on the text, what is true of *Bathynomus giganteus* when resources are scarce in its environment?
- AIt travels to warmer oceanic regions in search of alternative food sources.
- BIt actively hunts live deep-sea fish and squid rather than scavenging for carcasses.
- It can sustain its vital bodily functions by relying on a highly efficient, slow metabolic rate.Cevap
- DIt gorges on food to the point where its physical movement becomes severely compromised.