Question

1. scientists found that seabird waste adds nitrogen to soil. islands with native forests have more nitrogen and more zooplankton and manta rays nearby. based on these findings, explain how seabirds and native forests affect the ocean food web.

Explanation:

Seabird waste adds nitrogen to soil. Native forests retain this nitrogen. Nitrogen runoff (from soil) enters the ocean. Zooplankton (primary consumers) use nitrogen (for growth). Manta rays (higher - level consumers) eat zooplankton. So, seabirds and native forests support the ocean food web by providing nitrogen (a nutrient) that zooplankton (a base of the food web) need.

Answer:

Seabirds add nitrogen to soil via waste. Native forests help retain this nitrogen. Nitrogen then can enter the ocean (e.g., through runoff). Zooplankton, which are part of the ocean food web (often primary consumers), benefit from the nitrogen (as it is a nutrient for their growth). Manta rays, which are higher - level consumers in the ocean food web, eat zooplankton. Thus, seabirds and native forests support the ocean food web by providing a key nutrient (nitrogen) that zooplankton need, which in turn supports higher - level consumers like manta rays.