In the Sea the Nitrogen:phosphorus Ratio

Question

In the sea the nitrogen:phosphorus ratio
A) Varies greatly between phytoplankton and the water column
B) Varies strongly between winter and summer
C) Of phytoplankton resembles that of the water column
D) Is strictly constant at 1:15

Accepted Answer

The nitrogen:phosphorus ratio of phytoplankton often resembles that of the water column because both are influenced by similar environmental and biological processes, leading to a relatively consistent ratio known as the Redfield ratio, which averages around 16:1 (N:P) in marine ecosystems.