Question

Which of the following accuratelydescribes nutrient limitation?

A. Limiting nutrients are the nutrients whose supply is in excess.

  B. If one essential nutrient within an ecosystem runs out, primary productivity will be limited.

  C. Soil environments aren't affected by nutrient limitation.

  D. Nitrogen is typically the limiting nutrient in freshwater environments.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option B

A limiting nutrient is a nutrient which though is very essential for the growth of species/their productivity is scarce in the ecosystem. For example – Nitrogen and phosphorus is very essential for the growth/productivity of plant but both these element are found in very limited amount. The scarcity of these two element is fulfilled through external inputs in the form of fertilizers. In freshwater, it is the phosphorus which is considered as a limiting element.

Answer 2

Hello!

The answer is: B. If one essential nutrient within an ecosystem runs out, primary productivity will be limited.

Why?

Nutrients are located in the soil, and they are phosphorous, nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, carbon among other nutrients.

When one of these essential nutrients is not present, plants or vegetation growth will be negatively affected, meaning that the primary productivity will be limited, and the only way to restore it is fixing the soil where the vegetation is located.

Have a nice day!