Question

which of the following nutrients causes the positive feedback loop of algal blooms that can cause mass death in marine species, especially fish? (1 point)

nitrogen

oxygen

water

carbon

Explanation:

Algal blooms are often caused by an excess of nutrients like nitrogen. When there is an over - abundance of nitrogen (from sources such as agricultural runoff, sewage), it can lead to rapid growth of algae. As the algae die and decompose, the process consumes oxygen (a process that oxygen is involved in but not the cause of the algal bloom itself), creating hypoxic (low - oxygen) conditions. Water is a medium for the algae but not a nutrient that causes blooms. Carbon is part of the normal carbon cycle and not the main nutrient for causing such harmful algal blooms. So, nitrogen is the nutrient that initiates the positive feedback loop of algal blooms leading to mass death of marine species.

Answer:

nitrogen