Which of the following is not a function of microorganisms (as a whole) in an aquatic ecosystem?

Question

Which of the following is not a function of microorganisms (as a whole) in an aquatic ecosystem?

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When evaluating the roles of microorganisms in an aquatic ecosystem, we look at how they contribute to structure, function, and processes within the community.
Option 1: 'Serve as food for organisms at higher trophic levels' Microorganisms such as bacteria, microalgae, and protozoa form an essential base or intermediate food sources for many aquatic animals. In many systems, small planktonic organisms are consumed by zooplankton and small fish, making this a common and important function.
Option 2: 'Help with the cycling of nutrients' Microbes are central to biogeochemical cycles: they decompose organic matter, transform nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and carbon, and thereby facilitate nutrient availability for other organisms. This is a foundational ecological role in aquatic environments.
Option 3: 'Exert top-down control on lower trophic levels' Top-down control is typically driven by higher trophic levels (e.g., predators, herbivores) regulating populations of organisms at lower levels. While some microbial interactions can influence other organisms, the classic and predominant top-down regulation in aquatic ecosystems is not a primary function attributed to microorganisms as a whole; regulation of lower trophic levels is more often tied to larger consumer groups or abiotic factors, making this role less characteristic for microbes as a broad group.
Option 4: 'Purify water by decomposing wastes' Decomposition by microorganisms is a key process in water purification: microbial breakdown of organic waste reduces pollutants, recycles nutrients, and maintains water quality. This is a well-established function of microbial communities in aquatic systems.
In summary, Options 1, 2, and 4 reflect established ecological roles of microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems, while Option 3 describes a regulatory pattern (top-down control) that is not typically attributed to microorganisms as a whole and is less characteristic of their general functions.

2025SP-BZ-111-L02 Quiz 1 (Labs 1-4)

Which of the following is not a function of microorganisms (as a whole) in an aquatic ecosystem?

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