In the ocean, what process establishes equilibrium by distributing nutrients more evenly between the living and nonliving elements of the ecosystem?
upwelling
a. upwelling
b. density
c. turnover
d. buoyancy
a. upwelling
The correct answer is a. upwelling.
Upwelling is the process in which cold, nutrient-rich water from the ocean depths rises to the surface. This process helps distribute nutrients more evenly between the living and nonliving elements of the ecosystem in the ocean. Upwelling brings up nutrients from the lower depths, where they have accumulated over time, and delivers them to the surface, promoting the growth of phytoplankton, which forms the basis of the ocean food web.
The correct answer is a. upwelling.
To understand why upwelling helps establish equilibrium and distributes nutrients more evenly in the ocean, we should first define what upwelling is. Upwelling is a process in which cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean rises to the surface. It usually occurs along coastlines where winds blow surface water away from the shore and deep ocean water is pulled upward to replace it.
During upwelling, nutrient-rich water from the depths of the ocean reaches the surface. This nutrient-rich water contains essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron, which are necessary for the growth of microscopic plants called phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are the base of the marine food chain, and they are consumed by zooplankton, small fish, and other organisms.
When upwelling occurs, the increased availability of nutrients leads to an increase in phytoplankton growth. This, in turn, supports a larger population of zooplankton and other marine organisms. As the phytoplankton and zooplankton reproduce and grow, they serve as a food source for larger organisms such as fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.
The distribution of nutrients through upwelling helps maintain a balance between the living (organisms) and nonliving (nutrients) elements of the marine ecosystem. Without upwelling, the surface waters would gradually become depleted of nutrients, resulting in reduced phytoplankton growth and subsequent decreases in the overall productivity of the ocean ecosystem.
Therefore, upwelling plays a crucial role in establishing equilibrium and ensuring that nutrients are distributed more evenly between the living and nonliving elements of the ocean ecosystem.