Question

(04.02 HC) The eggs and larvae of marine animals tend to require water with more dissolved oxygen in it than the adults do. If water flows from a freshwater source into a salt water bay, what effect would this have on the population of marine animals? (2 points)

The freshwater would decrease the populations of marine animals because it would deplete the salt water of oxygen.

The freshwater would decrease the populations of marine animals by decreasing both salinity and oxygen levels.

The nutrient-rich freshwater would encourage algal blooms, thereby increasing the levels of oxygen and marine animals.

The freshwater would increase the populations of marine animals because it holds more oxygen than the salt water.

Answer 1

Answer: The freshwater would increase the populations of marine animals because it holds more oxygen than the salt water.

The dissolved oxygen can be defined as the amount of total oxygen available in water. The oxygen level varies according to the temperature and salinity. The freshwater and slightly warm water exhibit more oxygen content than the saline water.

The freshwater will avail more amount of oxygen to the marine eggs and larvae of animals therefore, increase the chances of survival than in the salt water. Therefore, freshwater would increase the populations of marine animals because it holds more oxygen than the salt water is the correct option.

Answer 2

Answer;

The nutrient-rich freshwater would encourage algal blooms, thereby increasing the levels of oxygen and marine animals.

Explanation;

• Dissolved oxygen in water is an important factor for the life of aquatic organisms. Dissolved oxygen in water is the presence of oxygen molecules within water, that are usable by aquatic plants, bacteria, and animals, for the process of respiration.
• Fresh water is more enriched with oxygen that salty water. Therefore, when water flows from a freshwater source into a salt water bay, the freshwater would increase the populations of marine animals because the fresh water holds more oxygen than the salt water, which is an advantage to marine animals for the process of respiration.