Question

The zone of effective light penetration in oceanic biomes is called as:
A. Epipelagic zone
B. Bathypelagic zone
C. Abyssal zone
D. Benthic zone

Answer 1

Hint:In oceans, large biotic communities exist which are collectively called ocean biomes. These oceanic biomes provide the support and structure to all the marine life forms inhabiting the ocean. The organisms living in the oceans constitute the largest of all ecosystems.

Complete step by step solution:
Oceanic biomes are found typically in 5 major oceans of the world which are Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean and Arctic Ocean. These oceanic biomes cover around 70% of earth's surface.

The epipelagic zone is the upper region of the ocean which is open to sunlight. Penetration of sunlight allows autotrophic organisms to use this light for the process of photosynthesis. It is the region of ocean which covers almost 600-700 feet of water surface.

On the other hand, the bathypelagic zone is the deep underwater region of the ocean which is usually beyond 4,000-13,000 feet in the water surface which is inhabited by molluscs, eels etc. This region experiences a complete absence of sunlight.

Similarly, the abyssal zone experiences complete absence of sunlight while the benthic zone sees small amounts of sunlight.

Hence, the zone of effective light penetration in oceanic biomes is epipelagic zone. So the correct answer is option A.


Note: Light penetration into the ocean waters allows its autotrophic organisms to initiate the process of photosynthesis using the solar light. These organisms serve as producers in the oceanic ecosystems. Only light can generate food production in oceans as its normal temperature is about 4°C.