Primary productivity is limited in surface waters of the open ocean by:
A) sunlight.
B) nutrients.
C) carbon dioxide.
D) oxygen.
E) temperature.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While sunlight is abundant in surface waters of the open ocean, the availability of key nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus can limit primary productivity. Carbon dioxide and oxygen are also essential for photosynthesis, but availability typically is not limiting in surface waters. Temperature can affect primary productivity, but it is not the primary limiting factor in most cases.

Primary Productivity Is Limited in Surface Waters of the Open