Question

In which zone of a marine biome does maximum photosynthesis take place?
A.Aphotic zone
B.Abyssal zone
C.Benthic zone
D.Pelagic zone
E.Photic zone

Answer 1

The ocean can be divided into several zones depending on the depth and amount of sunlight it receives. Photosynthesis in the ocean requires an ample amount of sunlight, which occurs only in the photic zone. Only up to this zone can sunlight penetrate to aid the marine biome to photosynthesize. The photic zone is the upper zone and only extends to about 200 meters.

Complete answer: The open water of the ocean is referred to as the pelagic realm or pelagic zone. This constitutes the photic, aphotic, and abyssal zones. Bordering beneath the pelagic zone is the benthic realm or benthic zone.
The photic zone extends from the topmost surface to a depth of 200 meters. This is the only zone where the marine biome can perform photosynthesis as the sunlight can only penetrate a depth of up to 200 meters and therefore being named aphotic zone. Beneath the photic zone is the aphotic zone, where light does not penetrate. It extends down to 4000 meters below sea level. Most of the ocean is aphotic and lacks photosynthetic organisms.
Even beneath the aphotic zone is the abyssal zone. It extends to depths above 4000 meters. This zone has a high temperature, high oxygen content, and low nutrient content. Some chemosynthetic organisms inhabit this zone.
The photic, aphotic, and the abyssal zone constitute the pelagic realm, and beneath the pelagic realm is the benthic realm. As marine organisms die, they fall to this region and thus this zone has a very high nutrient content.
Therefore, the correct option is E. Photic zone

Note: The oceanic zones are classified based on their depth and based on the amount of light it receives.
The photic zone, aphotic zone, and abyssal zone constitute the pelagic realm.
Beneath the pelagic realm is the benthic realm
The depth of the ocean varies based on geography. Some oceans and seas are shallow where they only extend to about a few hundred meters whereas other regions such as the Mariana trench extends to about 11,000 meters.