If the Ratio of Nitrogen to Phosphorous is Slightly Below

Question

If the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorous is slightly below 10:1 then _______.
A) It is below the Redfield ratio
B) It is at the Redfield ratio
C) It is above the Redfield ratio
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The Redfield ratio is a ratio of the relative amounts of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus that is commonly found in phytoplankton and throughout the marine environment. The ratio is typically 106:16:1 for C:N:P, or 16:1 for N:P. If the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus is slightly below 10:1, it is below the Redfield ratio of 16:1 and therefore option A is correct.