Figure 53.4
-After looking at the experiment in the figure above, what can be said about productivity in marine ecosystems?
A) Marine organisms break down iron for energy and thus for productivity.
B) Nothing can be said based on this information.
C) Productivity increases when chlorophyll a is added.
D) Iron can be a limiting nutrient in productivity.

Question

Figure 53.4
-After looking at the experiment in the figure above, what can be said about productivity in marine ecosystems?
A) Marine organisms break down iron for energy and thus for productivity. 
B) Nothing can be said based on this information. 
C) Productivity increases when chlorophyll a is added. 
D) Iron can be a limiting nutrient in productivity.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The experiment shows that productivity significantly increased when iron was added to the marine environment, indicating that iron can be a limiting nutrient in productivity in marine ecosystems. Option A is incorrect because marine organisms do not break down iron for energy; they use it to create chlorophyll for photosynthesis, which provides them with energy. Option B is incorrect because the data in the figure provide meaningful information about productivity in marine ecosystems. Option C is partially correct, but it is not the most accurate answer because productivity did not increase simply because chlorophyll was added, but because chlorophyll synthesis was facilitated by the added iron.

Figure 53.4 -After Looking at the Experiment in the Figure Above, What