Transcript Algae Diversity

Algae Diversity
By Stella Ju Endrino and Brittany Porter
Interpreting a graph: Examine the graph below, then answer the questions:
Speed of Nitrogen Removal**
Nitrogen Pollution Removal vs Number of
Species of Algae
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0
2
4
6
8
10
Number of Algae Species
** Speed of nitrogen removal, measured in micrograms (mass) per square centimeter per hour (mcg/cm 2/hr)
1. How quickly is nitrogen removed with one species? ______
With 2 species? _________
With 4 species?_________
With 6 Species?_________
With 8 Species?_________
2. How does species number affect the rate of nitrogen removal?
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3. If we want to have less nitrogen in water or cleaner water, what do these data suggest
for us to do?
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4. Why does a biodiverse community of algae keep the water clean?
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5. How else might biodiversity keep an ecosystem intact?
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