Consider the following organisms:
1. Corals
2. Phytoplankton
3. Cyanobacteria
Which of the above are capable of primary production?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. 2 and 3 only
- Step 1: Primary production involves the synthesis of organic matter from inorganic carbon dioxide through autotrophic processes such as photosynthesis. Phytoplankton (marine microalgae) and Cyanobacteria (photosynthetic bacteria) are primary autotrophic producers.
- Step 2: Corals are marine invertebrates (animals belonging to phylum Cnidaria) and heterotrophic consumers; their photosynthetic activity is performed by symbiotic endozoic microalgae (zooxanthellae) living inside their tissues.
- Step 3: Therefore, only phytoplankton and cyanobacteria (organisms 2 and 3) are capable of autonomous primary production.
Answer
2 and 3 only.
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