Aquatic Primary Productivity is Most Limited by Which of the Following

Question

Aquatic primary productivity is most limited by which of the following?
A)light and nutrient availability
B)predation by primary consumers
C)increased pressure with depth
D)pollution
E)temperature

Accepted Answer

Light and nutrient availability are the most limiting factors for aquatic primary productivity. Without sufficient light, photosynthesis cannot occur in primary producers such as algae and aquatic plants. Similarly, even if there is enough light, if there are not enough nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, primary producers will not be able to grow and reproduce at their maximum potential. Predation by primary consumers, increased pressure with depth, pollution, and temperature can also affect aquatic primary productivity, but they are not the most limiting factors.