Asked by bri
How does climate change lead to an increase in algal blooms?
a.
Decreased temperatures lead to an increase in phytoplankton growth.
b.
Increased levels of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, leads to increased phytoplankton growth.
c.
Increased pollution leads to lower levels of nutrients in aquatic ecosystems and therefore an increase in phytoplankton growth.
d.
Decreased water levels caused by climate change lead to an increase in phytoplankton growth.
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
Correct answer: b.
Explanation: Higher atmospheric CO2 (and higher dissolved CO2/CO3 in some waters) can stimulate photosynthesis and growth of many phytoplankton species. Options a and c are incorrect (a: warmer, not cooler, temperatures favor blooms; c: pollution usually raises nutrient levels, not lowers them, and high nutrients drive blooms). d is not generally the main mechanism — lower water levels can sometimes concentrate nutrients and worsen blooms locally, but increased CO2 is the best match among these choices.
Explanation: Higher atmospheric CO2 (and higher dissolved CO2/CO3 in some waters) can stimulate photosynthesis and growth of many phytoplankton species. Options a and c are incorrect (a: warmer, not cooler, temperatures favor blooms; c: pollution usually raises nutrient levels, not lowers them, and high nutrients drive blooms). d is not generally the main mechanism — lower water levels can sometimes concentrate nutrients and worsen blooms locally, but increased CO2 is the best match among these choices.
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