Question

data interpretation: study the date table below showing changes in nitrogen levels and algae growth in a lake over time.
year nitrogen (mg/l) algae growth (rating 1 - 10)
2010 1.5 3
2015 3.2 6
2020 5.0 9

1. what trend (pattern) do you notice between nitrogen levels and algae growth?
2. what could be causing this change in nitrogen?

real world connections (cause and effect)

1. give two ways that human activity can disrupt a biogeochemical cycle:

• example 1:
• example 2:

1. how might this disruption affect the sustainability (keeping natural systems healthy and balanced ecosystem)?

Explanation:

1. As nitrogen levels increase from 1.5 mg/L in 2010 to 5.0 mg/L in 2020, algae growth rating increases from 3 to 9, showing a positive - correlation.
2. Possible causes of nitrogen change could be agricultural runoff with fertilizers, sewage discharge, or atmospheric deposition.

For real - world connections:

1. Example 1: Deforestation disrupts the carbon cycle as fewer trees absorb carbon dioxide. Example 2: Burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, disrupting the carbon cycle.
2. Disruptions to biogeochemical cycles can lead to imbalances in ecosystems. For example, excessive nitrogen can cause eutrophication, leading to oxygen depletion in water bodies and harming aquatic life, thus reducing the sustainability of the ecosystem.

Answer:

1. There is a positive correlation between nitrogen levels and algae growth. As nitrogen levels increase, algae growth also increases.
2. Agricultural runoff with fertilizers, sewage discharge, or atmospheric deposition.

Real World Connections:

1. Example 1: Deforestation. Example 2: Burning of fossil fuels.
2. Disruptions can lead to imbalances such as eutrophication, oxygen depletion in water bodies, and harm to aquatic life, reducing ecosystem sustainability.