Which of the Following is the Most Limiting Element in Marine

Question

Which of the following is the most limiting element in marine ecosystems?
A) iron
B) sulfur
C) carbon
D) phosphorous
E) hydrogen

Accepted Answer

Iron is the most common limiting factor for primary production in the ocean. It is an essential component of chlorophyll and other molecules involved in photosynthesis. Iron is often scarce in marine ecosystems, especially in the open ocean, and its scarcity can limit the growth of phytoplankton, which form the base of many marine food webs. Other nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are also essential for marine life, but their availability is not usually as limiting as that of iron.