Question

"Scientists discover that run off from some plant fertilizers can produce algal blooms that negatively affect ocean ecosystems. Which of the following options provides evidence of how algal blooms harm ocean ecosystems?"

The answer choices are:

Rainfall and irrigation can cause excess water to enter the soil, resulting in excess fertilizer runoff that ends up in the ocean.

Excessive nutrients from fertilizer runoff increase the amount of plant and algae growth and water bodies.

Large algal blooms rapidly decompose, contributing to increased carbon dioxide and low oxygen water that can reduce fish habitats.

Authorities warn the public not to let their dogs swim in water bodies with algal bloom since they could get sick from algae exposure.

Answer 1

The option that provides evidence of how algal blooms harm ocean ecosystems is:

**Large algal blooms rapidly decompose, contributing to increased carbon dioxide and low oxygen water that can reduce fish habitats.**

This statement specifically explains the negative impact of algal blooms on ocean ecosystems by detailing how their decomposition affects carbon dioxide levels and oxygen availability, which are critical for the health of fish habitats.