Question

In the English Channel ecosystem, the number of primary producers is smaller than the number of primary consumers because________.

a) Primary producers are less efficient at capturing energy
b) Primary consumers are more efficient at capturing energy
c) Primary producers are limited by nutrient availability
d) Primary consumers have a higher reproductive rate

Answer 1

The number of primary producers in the English Channel ecosystem is smaller than the number of primary consumers because primary producers are limited by nutrient availability.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the English Channel ecosystem, the number of primary producers is smaller than the number of primary consumers because primary producers are limited by nutrient availability. Primary producers, such as plants and algae, are the base of the food chain and convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. However, they require essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to grow and reproduce. If these nutrients are limited in the environment, it can restrict the growth of primary producers, which in turn, limits the number of primary consumers that can be supported.