Why do large numbers of ocean life-forms live near areas of upwelling? A. Upwelling brings nutrients to the surface. B. Upwelling brings warm water to the surface. C. Upwelling helps push small fish up toward the surface. D. Upwelling keeps large predator fish away from the surface.
Question
Why do large numbers of ocean life-forms live near areas of upwelling? A. Upwelling brings nutrients to the surface. B. Upwelling brings warm water to the surface. C. Upwelling helps push small fish up toward the surface. D. Upwelling keeps large predator fish away from the surface.
Solution
The correct answer is A. Upwelling brings nutrients to the surface.
Here's why:
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Upwelling is a process in which deep, cold water rises toward the surface. This is often driven by winds and the rotation of the Earth.
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The deep ocean layers are often nutrient-rich as they contain substances like nitrates, phosphates, and silicic acid. These nutrients are essential for the growth of phytoplankton.
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When upwelling occurs, these nutrients are brought to the surface.
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Phytoplankton, which are microscopic plants, thrive in these nutrient-rich waters. They form the base of the marine food web.
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The abundance of phytoplankton attracts a variety of ocean life-forms, including zooplankton, small fish, and larger predators.
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Therefore, areas of upwelling support a high diversity and abundance of marine life due to the availability of nutrients.
So, the statement "Upwelling brings nutrients to the surface" explains why large numbers of ocean life-forms live near areas of upwelling.
Similar Questions
Which best explains why there is a greater concentration of oxygen located near the ocean’s surface? A. Sunlight warms the ocean’s temperature and stimulates oxygen production near the surface. B. Plankton produces excess amounts of nutrients that remove oxygen levels from the atmosphere. C. Marine life gives off oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, which makes the ocean water rich in oxygen. D. Plants, which release oxygen, live near the surface of the ocean, where they receive large amounts of sunlight.
Which causes cold ocean water to rise during an upwelling event? A. motion of organisms B. deep water currents C. mass of nutrients D. surface winds
Which contributes most in supporting life on the deep ocean floor? A. cold water temperatures B. extreme water pressure C. hydrothermal vents D. lack of predators
Which will most likely result if there is increased upwelling in a coastal area? A. more aquatic life B. less nutrients in the water C. higher water temperatures D. fewer nitrates
In which part of the ocean do the greatest number of organisms live? A. in the deep zone to escape predators B. near the shore to burrow in the sand C. close to the surface to be near the largest food source D. in the open ocean to regulate their bodies in cooler temperatures
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