Compared with an ocean ecosystem, a lake ecosystem is more likely to have _______ as its limiting factor for NPP.
A) nitrogen
B) phosphorus
C) eutrophication
D) iron
E) decomposition

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lakes usually have a limited supply of phosphorus, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. This makes phosphorus the limiting factor for NPP in lake ecosystems. In contrast, oceans have a larger supply of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron, so the limiting factor for NPP in ocean ecosystems varies depending on the region and the availability of nutrients. Eutrophication is not a limiting factor but rather a process of excessive nutrient loading that can lead to harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion. Decomposition is also not a limiting factor for NPP.

Compared with an Ocean Ecosystem, a Lake Ecosystem Is More