Question

The high nutrient level in estuaries leads to a high level of production within which food chain?

• A. The grazing food chain
• B. The parasitic food chain
• C. The detritus food chain
• D. The marine food web

Answer 1

Answer:

C. The detritus food chain

• Phytoplankton (Because of the turbidity in water, phytoplankton are normally uncommon)

• Marginal marsh vegetation

• Mud-flat algae

• Epiphytic plants growing on the marginal marsh vegetation

• The presence of high nutrient level in the estuaries results in a very high level of production within the detritus food chain.

• The estuarine ecosystem is complex and significant. It is also vulnerable since estuaries have served as conduits for shipping and as sites for cities throughout human history