Question

During an algal bloom in a local lake, the population of algae increases at a rapid rate and covers the surface of the water. Algae have a short lifespan and die very quickly. Microbes (bacteria) begin the decomposition process of these dead aquatic plants. This causes a significant drop in the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water and leads to a “dead zone” where aquatic plants and animals cannot survive. Which of the following best describes what happens as a result?
a. Without oxygen produced from cellular respiration, the plants and animals cannot perform photosynthesis and therefore aren’t able to make enough ATP energy to power their vital metabolic processes needed for survival.
b. Without oxygen produced from photosynthesis, the plants and animals cannot perform cellular respiration and therefore aren’t able to make enough ATP energy to power the vital metabolic processes needed for survival.
c. Plants do not require any oxygen, so they are not harmed in an algae bloom. Only the animal population will be affected by the drop in dissolved oxygen levels.

Answer 1

C. plants don't need oxygen, they need carbon dioxide and PRODUCE oxygen. Animals DO. Need oxygen, I mean.