1) A simplified nitrogen cycle in the ocean is shown here. The movement of nitrogen can impact algae growth, particularly the phytoplankton populations shown here. Large marine mammals, like whales,
move to the surface of the ocean and release nitrogenous wastes in the form of ammonia. Analyze the nitrogen cycle and select the logical explanation on the impact of the phytoplankton populations
A) Phytoplankton populations will increase as nitrogen availability increases at the surface.
B) Phytoplankton populations will decrease because the ammonia is toxic to the phytoplankton,
C) Phytoplankton populations will decrease as nitrogen influx will cause the phytoplankton to be outcompeted by the bacteria.
D) Phytoplankton populations will not increase nor decrease because ammonia is not a usable form of nitrogen for the phytoplankton
The Practice