Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

48. Ecology

Introduction to Ecology

General Biology

48. Ecology

Introduction to Ecology

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements best explains why an increase in the number of phytoplankton in an aquatic ecosystem is not always beneficial?

Phytoplankton always improve water quality regardless of their abundance.

An increase in phytoplankton has no effect on nutrient cycles in aquatic ecosystems.

Excessive phytoplankton growth can lead to oxygen depletion and harm aquatic life.

More phytoplankton always results in greater biodiversity in aquatic environments.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of phytoplankton in aquatic ecosystems: Phytoplankton are microscopic organisms that perform photosynthesis, producing oxygen and serving as the base of the aquatic food web. They are essential for nutrient cycling and energy flow in these ecosystems.

Recognize the concept of eutrophication: When phytoplankton populations grow excessively due to an abundance of nutrients (e.g., from agricultural runoff containing nitrogen and phosphorus), it can lead to a phenomenon called eutrophication. This disrupts the balance of the ecosystem.

Explain the consequences of excessive phytoplankton growth: When phytoplankton die and decompose, bacteria consume oxygen in the water during the decomposition process. This can lead to hypoxia (low oxygen levels) or anoxia (complete oxygen depletion), which can harm or kill aquatic organisms like fish and invertebrates.

Clarify why excessive growth is not always beneficial: While phytoplankton are crucial for ecosystem health, their overabundance can create harmful algal blooms (HABs). These blooms can release toxins, block sunlight from reaching other aquatic plants, and disrupt the food web.

Conclude with the correct explanation: The best explanation is that excessive phytoplankton growth can lead to oxygen depletion and harm aquatic life, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced ecosystem.