Viruses Play a Major Role in the Ecology of the Ocean

Question

Viruses play a major role in the ecology of the ocean by doing which of the following?
A) By infecting photosynthetic bacteria and increasing their growth.
B) By infecting harmful bacteria found in the ocean and limiting their growth.
C) By killing off fish and preventing them from becoming too plentiful.
D) By lysing unicellular organisms and releasing carbon and oxygen back into the ocean.
E) All of the above statements are correct.

Accepted Answer

Viruses play a major role in the ecology of the ocean by lysing unicellular organisms and releasing carbon and oxygen back into the ocean. This process is called viral shunt and it recycles nutrients and helps maintain the balance of the ecosystem. The other statements are not entirely accurate or complete.