Why is dwarfism considered a beneficial adaptation for animals that live at the bottom of the ocean floor?

• A. It allows animals to move faster in high-pressure environments.
• B. It increases the rate of photosynthesis in deep-sea organisms.
• C. It helps animals avoid predation by making them invisible to predators.
• D. It reduces energy requirements in an environment with limited food resources.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of dwarfism: Dwarfism refers to a condition where organisms are smaller in size compared to their typical counterparts. In biology, this adaptation can be beneficial in certain environments.
2. Analyze the environmental conditions of the ocean floor: The deep-sea environment is characterized by high pressure, low temperatures, and limited food availability. These factors create challenges for survival, especially in terms of energy consumption.
3. Relate body size to energy requirements: Smaller body size reduces the overall energy needs of an organism. This is because smaller organisms require less energy for maintenance, growth, and reproduction compared to larger ones.
4. Explain the adaptation: Dwarfism allows animals to conserve energy in environments where food resources are scarce, such as the ocean floor. This adaptation increases their chances of survival in such extreme conditions.
5. Clarify why other options are incorrect: Moving faster in high-pressure environments, increasing photosynthesis, or avoiding predation are not directly related to the benefits of dwarfism in deep-sea organisms. The correct answer focuses on energy conservation in a resource-limited habitat.