How does a whale fall community affect ocean sediment? The decomposition of the whale enriches the sediment. The remains of the whale pollute the sediment. The sediment is transformed into food for mussels and crabs. The bacteria that are attracted break down the sediment nearby.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The decomposition of the whale enriches the sediment.
Explanation (300 words):
A whale fall occurs when a whale dies and its body sinks to the ocean floor. This event creates a unique and rich ecosystem in the otherwise nutrient-poor deep sea. The whale carcass becomes a substantial and long-lasting food source for a wide variety of deep-sea organisms.
When the whale begins to decompose, its organic matter seeps into the surrounding sediment, dramatically enriching it. The nutrients released include nitrogen, sulfur compounds, and various fats and proteins. These attract a wide array of scavengers, such as hagfish and sleeper sharks, in the early stages. Over time, as the soft tissue is consumed, the decomposition continues through bacterial activity, which breaks down the remaining material.
These bacteria also play a crucial role in enriching the sediment. Some bacteria specialize in breaking down lipid-rich bones, producing sulfides in the process. These sulfides support chemosynthetic communities, much like those found near hydrothermal vents. Mussels, clams, and tube worms often colonize these areas, relying on symbiotic bacteria within their bodies to convert the sulfides into usable energy—a process called chemosynthesis.
The influence of a whale fall can last for decades, as the skeleton continues to provide habitat and nutrients. This results in a localized increase in biodiversity and a significant enrichment of the ocean sediment with organic material.
In contrast, the other answer choices are not accurate:
- The remains of the whale do not pollute the sediment; they enhance it.
- The sediment is not transformed into food; rather, it becomes enriched by nutrients.
- Bacteria break down the whale material, not the sediment itself.
In conclusion, a whale fall transforms the seafloor into a nutrient-rich zone, significantly enriching the sediment and supporting a complex deep-sea ecosystem.