AP BIOLOGY

ECOLOGY

CHEMICAL CYCLES

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
What is the outcome of an algal bloom if balance isn’t restored?
A
An algal bloom occurs.
B
Algae begin to die and decomposers take over.
C
Nitrogen compounds are recycled.
D
The concentration of oxygen drops below the necessary level.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Furthermore, when huge blooms of algae die, bacterial decomposers lower oxygen levels even further. As a result, eutrophication can swiftly deplete a lake’s oxygen supply, resulting in an anoxic and potentially fatal underwater environment.

Detailed explanation-2: -These so-called algal blooms deplete oxygen in water, release toxins, and cause bad taste and foul odors. Without treatment, algae continue to grow, disrupting the natural balance of an ecosystem.

Detailed explanation-3: -The overgrowth of algae consumes oxygen and blocks sunlight from underwater plants. When the algae eventually dies, the oxygen in the water is consumed. The lack of oxygen makes it impossible for aquatic life to survive.

Detailed explanation-4: -The large growth can have major impacts on ecosystems by blocking sunlight, stealing nutrients, and depleting oxygen. The depletion of oxygen through nightly respiration and the decomposition of dead algae can lead to oxygen levels so low that it forces organisms such as fish to leave the area or die.

Detailed explanation-5: -Excess nutrients in the water (primarily nitrogen and phosphorus) often leads to large algal blooms. When algal blooms die or are eaten by zooplankton, the bacteria that decomposes this organic matter lowers oxygen levels, which can lead to hypoxic water conditions.

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