Researchers determine the population of phytoplankton in an area of the ocean is significantly decreased compared to the previous year. What can they conclude from this observation?(1 point)

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Responses

The plankton as a carbon sink and as a carbon source in the area will be greater than expected.
The plankton as a carbon sink and as a carbon source in the area will be greater than expected.

The plankton as a carbon sink will be less than expected, but the plankton as a carbon source will be greater than expected.
The plankton as a carbon sink will be less than expected, but the plankton as a carbon source will be greater than expected.

The plankton as a carbon sink will be greater than expected, but the plankton as a carbon source will be less than expected.
The plankton as a carbon sink will be greater than expected, but the plankton as a carbon source will be less than expected.

The plankton as a carbon sink and as a carbon source in the area will be less than expected.
The plankton as a carbon sink and as a carbon source in the area will be less than expected.
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Answer 1

From the observation that the population of phytoplankton has significantly decreased compared to the previous year, researchers can conclude:

The plankton as a carbon sink and as a carbon source in the area will be less than expected.

Phytoplankton play a crucial role in the ocean's carbon cycle, acting as a carbon sink by absorbing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and potentially serving as a carbon source through respiration and decomposition when their populations decline. Therefore, a decrease in their population would likely reduce both their ability to act as a carbon sink and their contribution as a carbon source.