One scientist argues that the increase in phosphorus at site 2 will cause an algae bloom - a large amount of single-celled algae that coats the surface of the water. These algae can block light to plants under the water, so they die, putting more nutrients in the water. The algae also use more oxygen in respiration than they put into the water through photosynthesis. He predicts that if phosphorus continues to increase at site 2, the ecosystem will be changed and biodiversity will be reduced. Why can his argument be used to support his prediction that site 2 will have a reduction in biodiversity if phosphorus continues to rise?
a. The lack of oxygen in the water will cause most species to die as they require it for respiration.
b. The algae on the surface is a single species, so this shows a decrease in biodiversity.
c. Phosphorus is a nutrient that can only be used by the algae, so animals that cannot use it will not thrive in this environment.
d. Site 1 has shown an increase in biodiversity as phosphorus levels have decreased, so the same should happen if phosphorus decreases as site 2.