Author Question: Why is photosynthesis inhibited at the very top layer of the ocean surface? a. The salinity is too ... (Read 50 times)

mikaylakyoung · **on:** Aug 22, 2018

Why is photosynthesis inhibited at the very top layer of the ocean surface?
a. The salinity is too low
b. There is too much light
c. There are pollutants in the water
d. There are too many plankton in the water

Question 2

What can hinder photosynthetic productivity in the open ocean?
a. Light
b. Carbon dioxide
c. Iron
d. Conservative nutrients

mammy1697 · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Photosynthesis occurs in the euphotic zone. It can be limited by the lack of light but also the
overexposure to light. It overwhelms the photosynthetic chemistry of some autotrophs. Information
can be found in the section Lack of Nutrients and Light can Limit Primary Productivity.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Iron becomes the limiting factor in many open water areas that have all the other necessities for
photosynthesis. Photosynthetic autotrophs only require four main ingredients for success: sunlight,
water, carbon dioxide, and inorganic nutrients. Information can be found in the section Lack of
Nutrients and Light can limit Primary Productivity.