Researchers determine the population of phytoplankton in an area of the ocean is significantly decreased compared to the previous year. What can they conclude from this observation?(1 point)

Responses

The plankton as a carbon sink and as a carbon source in the area will be less than expected.
The plankton as a carbon sink and as a carbon source in the area will be less than expected.

The plankton as a carbon sink will be greater than expected, but the plankton as a carbon source will be less than expected.
The plankton as a carbon sink will be greater than expected, but the plankton as a carbon source will be less than expected.

The plankton as a carbon sink and as a carbon source in the area will be greater than expected.
The plankton as a carbon sink and as a carbon source in the area will be greater than expected.

The plankton as a carbon sink will be less than expected, but the plankton as a carbon source will be greater than expected.

1 answer

From the observation that the population of phytoplankton in an area of the ocean has significantly decreased compared to the previous year, researchers can conclude:

The plankton as a carbon sink will be less than expected, but the plankton as a carbon source will be greater than expected.

This conclusion is based on the understanding that phytoplankton play a crucial role in carbon cycling. A decreased population means there will be less phytoplankton available to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (functioning as a carbon sink). Meanwhile, with less phytoplankton, decomposition and respiration processes may dominate, leading to increased carbon release into the ocean and atmosphere (functioning as a carbon source).