Final answer:
If new data were collected in mid-summer from the same pond concerning algae and depth, we would expect higher algal growth due to increased sunlight exposure, assuming no new shading like tree growth around the pond. The growth would vary with the pond’s DOC levels, affecting light penetration and thus algal blooming.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks us to predict how the relationship between the amount of algae and depth in a pond would change if data were collected in mid-summer. From previous observations, the amount of algae is affected by the amount of light that can penetrate the water, which is influenced by the water’s dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Larger particles of DOC can block sunlight and prevent algal blooming, whereas smaller DOC particles allow more light to penetrate, encouraging algal growth.
In mid-summer, when the sunlight's intensity and duration are at their peaks, we would expect the algal population to increase, especially in areas where the light can penetrate deeper. However, if the pond were newly shaded due to tree growth, as presented in one of the scenarios, this would reduce sunlight penetration, potentially leading to decreased algal populations as the water's DOC could hinder the already reduced light. If collected in mid-summer without additional shading, the data would likely show higher rates of algal growth at various depths compared to other seasons due to the increased sunlight exposure, assuming other factors like nutrient availability remain constant.