What is periphyton?

Periphyton refers to a community of algae and microorganisms that attach to submerged surfaces in aquatic environments, such as rocks, plants, and sediments. This biological community plays a critical role in ecosystems, serving as a primary source of food for various aquatic organisms and contributing to the overall health of water bodies.

In addition to providing a food source, periphyton also helps in the cycling of nutrients and can influence the water quality by impacting processes such as gas exchange and organic matter decomposition. It can develop in a range of freshwater and marine environments and is often used as an indicator of ecosystem health, as changes in its composition can reflect shifts in water quality or environmental conditions.

Understanding periphyton is important for monitoring aquatic ecosystems, which is why option B accurately captures its definition and significance in surface water contexts.