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What happens in an aphotic zone of a body of water?
The aphotic zone (aphotic from Greek prefix ἀ- + φῶς “without light”) is the portion of a lake or ocean where there is little or no sunlight. Most food in this zone comes from dead organisms sinking to the bottom of the lake or ocean from overlying waters.
Where in the ocean do plants live?
Almost all ocean plants grow in the Euphotic Zone, the upper 200 meters. This depth is referred to as the “Sunlight Zone” because sunlight penetrates through it. Plants make their food through photosynthesis, a process that requires 4 things: Water – Plenty of that in the oceans.
What is the aphotic zone in the ocean?
The bottommost, or aphotic, zone is the region of perpetual darkness that lies beneath the photic zone and includes most of the ocean waters.
What plants live in the aphotic zone?
In the aphotic zone, there virtually no light from the sun (1% or less of sunlight reached this zone), so photosynthesis can not take place. Consequently there are no plants or other photosynthetic organisms in this zone.
Why won’t you find plant life in the aphotic zone?
Photosynthesis requires sunlight, and in the aphotic zone, there is little to no sunlight available for photosynthesis. However, these plants would struggle to survive in the depths of the aphotic zone.
Why are there plants in the ocean?
Ocean plants are rarely talked about, but with 70 percent of the world covered in water, they play a vital role in oxygenating oceans around the world, protecting certain species of aquatic animals from predators and outside elements (including human activities), and helping animals thrive by being their primary food …
Why are there no living plants in the aphotic zone?
Can a plant survive in the aphotic zone?
However, these plants would struggle to survive in the depths of the aphotic zone. With little to no sunlight, as well as up to a kilometre away from the surface, the temperature and pressure becomes too unsuitable organisms to survive.
Is the aphotic zone part of the open ocean?
Depending on the penetration of sunlight, the open ocean or pelagic zone is divided into two parts: the photic or euphotic zone and the aphotic zone. Unlike the photic zone, which receives direct sunlight, the aphotic zone receives little or no sunlight at all.
Where do most plants grow in the ocean?
Almost all ocean plants grow in the Euphotic Zone, the upper 200 meters. This depth is referred to as the “Sunlight Zone” because sunlight penetrates through it. Plants make their food through photosynthesis, a process that requires 4 things: Water – Plenty of that in the oceans.
What do animals in the aphotic zone eat?
Animals in the aphotic zone feed on dead organisms that live in the upper zones of the ocean. When those organisms from the upper zones die, they fall to the ocean floor, which allows aphotic creatures to feed when those dead organisms float onto their path.