Deep-Sea Life Without Sunlight

Question 1

Scientists examine the chemistry of bacteria that live near deep‑sea hydrothermal vents to decide what chemical clues to search for on icy moons. Which statement best explains why this helps when looking for life on Europa or Enceladus?

Accepted Answer

The vent bacteria can obtain energy from hydrogen sulfide, so instruments should be able to detect sulfur‑containing compounds in the moon’s ocean water.

Answer

The vent bacteria rely on solid rocks for food, so missions should focus on finding large mineral deposits.

Answer

The vent bacteria need sunlight to make food, so probes should look for signs of photosynthesis on the moon’s surface.

Answer

The vent bacteria survive only at extremely high pressures, so the main goal is to measure pressure changes on the moon’s ice shell.

Question 2

A green fern growing on a forest floor and a clam that lives next to a deep‑sea hydrothermal vent both need energy to build their own food. How does each one get that energy?

Accepted Answer

The fern captures sunlight to make food, while the clam’s symbiotic bacteria use chemical energy from hydrogen sulfide emitted by the vent.

Answer

Both organisms obtain energy by eating other sea animals.

Answer

The fern uses chemicals from the soil, and the clam’s bacteria use sunlight that filters down to the ocean floor.

Answer

Both the fern and the clam’s bacteria rely on sunlight to produce food.

Question 3

When scientists design a mission to search for life in Europa’s hidden ocean, they often study Earth’s underwater vent ecosystems. Which reason best explains why these vent habitats are useful analogues?

Accepted Answer

Both environments provide chemical energy (such as hydrogen sulfide) that microbes can use to grow without any sunlight.

Answer

Both places are warmed by surface‑level volcanoes, creating tropical‑like water temperatures.

Answer

Both locations get plenty of sunlight that lets organisms perform photosynthesis.

Answer

Both areas are filled with large fish that can be easily counted and tracked.

Try three questions

Scientists examine the chemistry of bacteria that live near deep‑sea hydrothermal vents to decide what chemical clues to search for on icy moons. Which statement best explains why this helps when looking for life on Europa or Enceladus?

A green fern growing on a forest floor and a clam that lives next to a deep‑sea hydrothermal vent both need energy to build their own food. How does each one get that energy?

When scientists design a mission to search for life in Europa’s hidden ocean, they often study Earth’s underwater vent ecosystems. Which reason best explains why these vent habitats are useful analogues?

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