Question
Algae are small photosynthetic organisms found in aquatic ecosystems. Their cells produce a kind of oil. Scientists learned how to extract the oil to create fuel, which can be used in place of fossil fuels. Scientists think algae can produce 60 times more oil per acre than plants, like corn, that are commonly used to produce biofuel.
To produce algae oil, very large ponds were built for growing algae. However, scientists soon made two discoveries.
As the algae grew, it formed layers at the pond surface. These layers crowded and shaded one another.
Many insects and other consumers frequently entered the ponds.
Based on the two discoveries, what would likely be a problem for algae oil production?
A.
Insects feed on algae, so all of the energy stored in algae oil is converted back into light energy.
B.
Consumers feed on algae, so the energy stored in algae oil is permanently lost from the environment.
C.
Shading reduces access to sunlight, so algae produce less sugar and are less able to store energy.
D.
Crowding reduces access to food, so it makes algae less able to take in sugar and produce oil.
To produce algae oil, very large ponds were built for growing algae. However, scientists soon made two discoveries.
As the algae grew, it formed layers at the pond surface. These layers crowded and shaded one another.
Many insects and other consumers frequently entered the ponds.
Based on the two discoveries, what would likely be a problem for algae oil production?
A.
Insects feed on algae, so all of the energy stored in algae oil is converted back into light energy.
B.
Consumers feed on algae, so the energy stored in algae oil is permanently lost from the environment.
C.
Shading reduces access to sunlight, so algae produce less sugar and are less able to store energy.
D.
Crowding reduces access to food, so it makes algae less able to take in sugar and produce oil.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Based on the two discoveries made by the scientists, the most likely problem for algae oil production would be:
**C. Shading reduces access to sunlight, so algae produce less sugar and are less able to store energy.**
This option correctly addresses the impact of the algae forming layers at the pond surface, which would block sunlight and hinder photosynthesis. Since algae rely on sunlight to produce energy, reduced light availability would result in decreased energy production and storage, negatively affecting oil production.
**C. Shading reduces access to sunlight, so algae produce less sugar and are less able to store energy.**
This option correctly addresses the impact of the algae forming layers at the pond surface, which would block sunlight and hinder photosynthesis. Since algae rely on sunlight to produce energy, reduced light availability would result in decreased energy production and storage, negatively affecting oil production.