Question

The productivity of phytoplankton is reduced if there are few nutrients or large populations of grazers in a marine ecosystem. What are these physiological and/or biological necessities called?

A.
abiotic factors

B.
biotic factors

C.
compensation factors

D.
limiting factors

Answer 1

The physiological and/or biological necessities that can reduce the productivity of phytoplankton due to a lack of nutrients or the presence of large populations of grazers are called **D. limiting factors**. Limiting factors are essential components that can restrict the growth and productivity of organisms in an ecosystem.