Which of the following statements regarding the photic zone of an aqua...
Based on light penetration and plant distribution, aquatic ecosystems are classified as photic and aphotic zones
Photic zone: Photic zone (euphotic zone, epipelagic zone) is the uppermost layer of the ocean that receives sunlight, enabling it to perform photosynthesis. It undergoes a series of physical, chemical, and biological processes that supply nutrients into the upper water column. So, statement 1 is not correct.
The photic zone is home to the majority of marine life, due to its location. Ninety per cent of marine life lives in the photic zone, which is approximately two hundred meters deep. This includes phytoplankton (plants), including dinoflagellates, diatoms, cyanobacteria, and zooplankton, which are known as the consumers in the photic zone. Both photosynthesis and respiration activities take place in this zone. So, statement 2 is correct.
Aphotic zone is the portion of a lake or ocean where there is little or no sunlight. It is formally defined as the depths beyond which less than 1% of sunlight penetrates. The aphotic zone is positioned below the littoral and photic zones to the bottom of the lake, where light levels are too low for photosynthesis. Respiration occurs at all depths, so the aphotic zone is a region of oxygen consumption. Only respiration activities take place this
deep, the unlit region is also known as the profundal zone.
Therefore, the correct answer is (b).