What is a characteristic of the midnight zone in ocean habitats?

The midnight zone, also known as the bathypelagic zone, is characterized by its cold temperatures and complete absence of light. This zone extends from roughly 1,000 meters deep to about 4,000 meters deep in the ocean, where sunlight cannot penetrate. As a result, the environment is extremely cold, often hovering just above freezing temperatures. Life in this zone has adapted to the lack of light and the high pressure, leading to unique biological adaptations. The organisms found here, such as certain species of fish and invertebrates, rely on chemosynthesis or bioluminescence, rather than photosynthesis, for survival.

The other choices misrepresent the midnight zone's conditions. Abundant sunlight is characteristic of the epipelagic zone, which is located near the surface. Coral reefs thrive in shallow, warm waters where sunlight can penetrate, making them absent from the deep, dark midnight zone. Since the midnight zone is far from the surface, it is not located there, which further emphasizes the correct choice's alignment with the characteristics of this ocean habitat.