Asked by julie

What effect can fertilizer runoff have on an aquatic ecosystem?
a.
increased plant growth leading to a decrease in fish populations
b.
increased plant growth leading to an increase in fish populations
c.
decreased plant growth leading to a decrease in fish populations
d.
decreased plant growth leading to an increase in fish populations


Please select the best answer from the choices provided

A
B
C
D

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
A

Fertilizer runoff adds nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus), causing algal and plant blooms. When the algae die and decompose, bacteria consume oxygen, creating hypoxic conditions that decrease fish populations.