Question

describing open-ocean zones
which phrases describe the open-ocean zone? check all that apply.
very little sunlight
few nutrients
low temperatures
low density
located near coasts

Explanation:

The open - ocean zone (pelagic zone) has several characteristics.

• Very little sunlight: As depth increases in the open ocean, sunlight penetration decreases. In the deeper parts of the open - ocean (like the bathypelagic and abyssopelagic zones), there is very little sunlight.
• Few nutrients: The open ocean, especially in the oligotrophic regions (regions with low nutrient levels), has few nutrients. Nutrients tend to be more concentrated near coasts (from runoff and upwelling in some coastal areas) or in areas of upwelling in the open ocean (but overall, compared to coastal zones, nutrients are fewer in large parts of the open ocean).
• Low temperatures: In the deeper layers of the open ocean (below the thermocline), temperatures are low. The thermocline is a layer where temperature changes rapidly with depth, and below it, the water is cold (usually around 2 - 5°C in the deep open ocean).
• Low density: This is incorrect. In the open ocean, as depth increases, water density increases due to lower temperatures and increased pressure (and in some cases, increased salinity in certain layers).
• Located near coasts: This is incorrect. The open - ocean zone is the opposite of the neritic zone (which is near coasts). The open ocean is the vast expanse away from the immediate coastal areas.

Answer:

very little sunlight, few nutrients, low temperatures