Brian is a marine biologist researching photosynthetic activity in the ocean. He travels in a submersible to an area that is dimly lit. However, despite the light, he finds no photosynthetic organisms. Which zone of the ocean is he in?

A.

bathypelagic

B.

mesopelagic

C.

neritic

D.

epipelagic

(B) is the correct option

Explanation:

The area between 200 and 1,000 meters (656 and 3,280 feet) is the mesopelagic or “twilight” zone  Light intensity in this zone is severely reduced with increasing depth, so light penetration is minimalAbout 20 percent of primary production from the surface falls down to the mesopelagic zoneThere are no plants in this zone, because there is not enough light for photosynthesisOctopus, squid, and the hatchet fish are some of the animals that can be found in this zoneMany animals in this zone have thin bodies that help them hide from predatorsSome animals that live in this zone make their own light with bioluminescenceThey make light with special organs in their bodies called photophores which give off a greenish light

This is the most closely resembles the model.