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What is the mesopelagic zone of the ocean?

A. The zone that includes deep-sea trenches
B. The zone where most plants and animals live
C. A zone with very little sunlight
D. A zone with no sunlight or plant life

Answer :

Final answer:

The mesopelagic zone, located between 200 and 1,000 meters deep, has limited sunlight and is known as the dysphotic zone. It supports some forms of life that depend on organic matter from the upper layers or predate on each other. Most importantly, it does not allow for photosynthesis due to insufficient light.


Explanation:

Understanding the Mesopelagic Zone

The mesopelagic zone of the ocean is the layer located between 200 and 1,000 meters below the sea surface. This zone is often referred to as the dysphotic zone, which means there is some light penetration, but not enough to support photosynthesis. As a result, it is referred to as the twilight zone where organisms rely on food that drifts down from the upper lit layers or feed on each other. Commonly found organisms in this zone include fish, squid, and various plankton species that consume organic material falling from the surface.

To clarify the zones of the ocean:

  1. Epipelagic Zone: 0 to 200 meters, where photosynthesis occurs.
  2. Mesopelagic Zone: 200 to 1,000 meters, low light levels.
  3. Bathypelagic Zone: 1,000 to 4,000 meters, completely dark.
  4. Abyssopelagic Zone: 4,000 meters and deeper, very cold and under high pressure.

Therefore, the answer to the question is C. A zone with very little sunlight.


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