In marine ecosystems,net primary productivity tends to be
A) greater along shorelines where terrestrial nutrients enter the marine environment.
B) lower where the oceans border land because terrestrial pollution suppresses marine productivity.
C) lowest in areas where upwelling brings colder water to the surface.
D) greater than the net primary productivity on land.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Along shorelines, there is often an influx of nutrients from the land, which can stimulate the growth of primary producers and increase net primary productivity. In addition, many nearshore areas are shallow and receive more sunlight, which is also beneficial for primary producers. While there may be some local areas where pollution from land can suppress productivity, this is not a general pattern across marine ecosystems. Upwelling can bring nutrient-rich water to the surface, which can also stimulate productivity, so C is not correct. While net primary productivity can vary widely depending on the specific ecosystem being considered, D is overly broad and not accurate for all cases.

In Marine Ecosystems,net Primary Productivity Tends to Be