AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -These microbes are the foundation for life in hydrothermal vent ecosystems. Instead of using light energy to turn carbon dioxide into sugar like plants do, they harvest chemical energy from the minerals and chemical compounds that spew from the vents-a process known as chemosynthesis .

Detailed explanation-2: -Chemosynthesis (at hydrothermal vents) Chemosynthetic organisms use the energy released by chemical reactions to make sugars, or food. Hydrogen sulfide is abundant in the extremely hot water erupting from hydrothermal vents.

Detailed explanation-3: -They oxidize hydrogen sulfide, add carbon dioxide and oxygen to produce sugar (food), sulfur, and water. The food that chemosynthetic bacteria produce serves as the base of the hydrothermal vent food web. The food the bacteria makes is shared with the host organism, and in return the bacteria has a safe home.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hydrogen is an energy source for hydrothermal vent symbioses.

Detailed explanation-5: -Most energy is initially derived from sunlight via plant photosynthesis. Chemosynthesis is usually found in places that are high in methane and low in oxygen, where bacteria can use these conditions to make energy.