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Q3. The graphs below represent algae abundance in a limiting-nutrient experiment

ID: 803302 • Letter: Q

Question

Q3. The graphs below represent algae abundance in a limiting-nutrient experiment. Based on the graphs, which nutrients are limiting the growth of algal species A and B in the experiment? (Hint: Recall what a graph of population size vs. nutrient input should look like—straight or sloped—if the nutrient is limiting and also if it is not limiting.)

a-Algae A is limited by nitrogen and Algae B is not limited by either nutrient.

b-Algae A is limited by phosphorus and Algae B is limited by nitrogen.

c-Algae A is limited by phosphorus and Algae B is not limited by either nutrient.

d-Algae A is not limited by either nutrient and Algae B is limited by nitrogen.

Explanation / Answer

Correct response must be option A in which Algae A is limited by Nitrogen but Algae B is not limited by any of the Nutrient. However Algae A has very abruptly high slope for the phosphorus input.