Question

______ is the sum of a suite of biologically-mediated processes that transport carbon from the surface euphotic zone (the depth of the water that is exposed to sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis to occur) to the ocean’s interior.

○ compensation depth

○ compensation zone

○ biological pump

○ thermohaline circulation

○ coriolis force

Explanation:

• "Compensation depth" is the depth where photosynthesis equals respiration, not about carbon transport to ocean interior.
• "Compensation zone" is related to light and photosynthesis - respiration balance, not carbon transport.
• "Biological pump" refers to processes (like photosynthesis, sinking of organic matter) that move carbon from surface euphotic zone to ocean interior, matching the description.
• "Thermohaline circulation" is about water movement due to temperature and salinity, not biological carbon transport.
• "Coriolis force" affects large - scale motion of fluids (like wind, ocean currents) due to Earth's rotation, not carbon transport.

Answer:

C. biological pump