The ecologists

used a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay to investigate the abundance of the novel

organism in several different ecological niches including hydrothermal vents,

deep-sea sediments and shallow coastal waters. The qPCR assay was performed

using a primer that specifically targeted a gene

carried by the novel organism.

Examine the

qPCR results shown above. Which ecological niche (hydrothermal vents, deep-sea

sediments, shallow coastal waters) had the highest abundance of the novel

organism? Briefly explain how you reached this conclusion. (2-3 sentences) (2

marks)