In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are important as they increase marine productivity by bringing the:1. Decomposer microorganisms to the surface.2. Nutrients to the surface.3. Bottom-dwelling organisms to the surface.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
✓ Correct answer: b) 2 only
ExplanationUpwelling is a process in which deep, cold water of the ocean rises toward the surface.Winds blowing across the ocean surface push water away.Water then rises up from beneath the surface to replace the water that was pushed away.This process is known as “upwelling.”Statement 1 is incorrect: Decomposer microorganisms pri- marily reside in the deep ocean and play a role in breaking down organic matter.Upwelling does not bring decomposers to the surface.Most decomposition occurs at depth and decomposer microbes are not significantly transported to the surface by up- welling.Statement 2 is correct: Upwelling regions bring nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron from deep waters to the sur- face.These nutrients enhance phytoplankton growth which supports higher trophic levels such as fish and marine mammals.Major upwelling zones include the coasts of Peru, California, and West Africa.These regions contribute to high fishery productivity (Ex: Peru- vian anchovy fishery).Statement 3 is incorrect: Bottom-dwelling (benthic) organ- isms such as crustaceans and mollusks are not
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