1
QuizMultiple Choice

Succession and Extinction

Question 1 • Environmental Science A

How does a whale fall community affect ocean sediment?

Answer
A
The decomposition of the whale enriches the sediment.
B
The remains of the whale pollute the sediment.
C
The sediment is transformed into food for mussels and crabs.
D
The bacteria that are attracted break down the sediment nearby.

Explanation

When a whale dies and sinks to the seafloor, its body decomposes and releases nutrients into the surrounding sediment. This enriches the sediment and supports organisms in the whale-fall community. The sediment itself is not transformed into food, as choice C suggests.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

Next