Nutrient Limitations

Primary productivity – the rate in which organic matter (carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus) is used by producers. When a nutrient is in short supply, it limits how much the organisms can grow and reproduce. This is called a limiting nutrient.

When an aquatic ecosystem receives a large supply of a limiting nutrient, such as runoff water from heavily fertilized fields, an algae bloom is the result.

Algae bloom – a huge increase in algae production.

How do you think the algae growth will affect this ecosystem?

Results of an algae bloom: Sunlight can not get through the thick layer of algae causing plants on the bottom die.

The food chain is disrupted. If the plants on the bottom die, the fish and animals that eat them could starve to death. The food chain is disrupted.

What would happen in this ecosystem if the primary consumers were eliminated?

Resources may include food, water, shelter, space, oxygen, etc. Carrying Capacity is the maximum population size that can be supported by the available resources. Resources may include food, water, shelter, space, oxygen, etc. When the carrying capacity of an area is exceeded, populations will begin to decrease because there are not enough resources to support them. Although several species may share a habitat they each have their own niche. A niche is a very narrow range where a species fits within a habitat.

Limiting factors keep populations under control. If one species is disturbed will effect the populations of other species.