Biology / Unit 14 Bio 3489 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Light and Nutrient Availability Across Habitats
Captions available
The idea
Light limits photosynthesis with water depth and canopy cover; nutrient availability in water depends on mixing that returns sunken organic matter to the surface.
In practice
Ocean upwelling returns nutrient-rich deep water to the surface where sunlight again supports photosynthesis.
Where people slip
A nutrient-poor surface layer does not mean an aquatic ecosystem lacks nutrients — they may be sequestered at depth instead.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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