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? 0.1 mcg/cm2/hr
With 2 species? 0.2 mcg/cm2/hr
With 4 species? 0.3 mcg/cm2/hr
With 6 Species? 0.4 mcg/cm2/hr
With 8 Species? 0.5 mcg/cm2/hr
2. How does species number affect the rate of nitrogen removal?
The more species present, the faster the nitrogen is removed.
3. If we want to have less nitrogen in water or cleaner water, what do these data suggest
for us to do?
Make sure that there are many types of algae in the water (you need to appropriate
habitat for each species. Algae will not live there if the habitat is not a fit).
4. Why does a biodiverse community of algae keep the water clean?
The more biodiversity, the more nitrogen is removed. Since high nitrogen causes algal
blooms and deadzones, it helps to have less nitrogen in the water.
5. How else might biodiversity keep an ecosystem intact?
Biodiversity might provide more food for other organisms that live there.