Chapter 3, Problem 32A

Summary Introduction

To describe:

The light as a limiting factor in the ocean.

Introduction:

Limiting factors can be defined as the factors (abiotic/ biotic) that limit the growth of the population. The limiting factors called so because they limit the growth of population after a certain number.

Explanation of Solution

In the ocean ecosystem, the light is limited. The sunlight cannot penetrate the water deeply, which makes the deep ocean region dark. Due to the absence of light, the plants and other photoautotrophs cannot grow in the deep sea. Also, the crowding of plant near surface blocks the light for lower surfaces. As the producers are limited in the ocean system, heterotrophs will also be limited. Hence, the light act as a limiting factor for the ocean ecosystem.