Which of the following results would be most likely if a layer of warm, light water caused by ocean surface warming blocks nutrient upwelling? A) reduced populations of fish because they avoid warm water B) increased populations of producers because they have access to more CO₂ C) reduced populations of producers because they have access to fewer nutrients D) increased populations of producers because fewer fish are produced, and they eat fewer producers

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

C) Reduced populations of producers because they have access to fewer nutrients. Nutrient upwelling is crucial for the productivity of marine ecosystems, providing the essential nutrients needed by phytoplankton, the base of the oceanic food web. If a layer of warm, light water blocks this upwelling, the supply of nutrients to surface waters would decrease, leading to reduced populations of producers that rely on these nutrients for photosynthesis.

Which of the Following Results Would Be Most Likely If