Question

Limiting Nutrients:

This figure presents the results of an ecological study on the effects of runoff from various fertilizers into coastal marine environments. Phytoplankton density was measured at different collection sites enriched with nitrogen-based fertilizers (ammonium), phosphorus-based fertilizers (phosphate), and no fertilizers as the control group. The purpose of the study was to determine the limiting nutrient for phytoplankton to minimize eutrophication in coastal marine ecosystems.

Use the passage to answer the question.

Identify the most effective strategy for minimizing phytoplankton and eutrophication in this ecosystem based on the limiting nutrient(s).

A. use equal amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus-based fertilizers

B. reduce the amount of nitrogen-based fertilizers

C. increase the amount of phosphorus-based fertilizers

D. replace nitrogen-based fertilizers with phosphorus-based fertilizers

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

B. reduce the amount of nitrogen-based fertilizers

This is the most effective strategy based on the study results, which found that nitrogen was the limiting nutrient for phytoplankton growth in the coastal marine environment. By reducing the amount of nitrogen-based fertilizers entering the ecosystem, eutrophication can be minimized.