Scientists Measured Plankton Production in an Estuary Ecosystem

Multiple Choice

Scientists measured plankton production in an estuary ecosystem.They filled bottles with water from the same depth in the ecosystem, sealed them to prevent further gas exchange, and submerged them at the depth from which they were taken for a specific amount of time.In "light bottles" (subjected to light) , both photosynthesis and respiration occurred.In "dark bottles" (kept in the dark) , only respiration occurred.In one test, the study team obtained the following data: Initial bottle: 3 mg C/liter/hour
Light bottle: 3.75 mg C/liter/hour
Dark bottle: 1.875 mg C/liter/hour
Given the equation NPP = GPP - respiration, what is the final value for net primary production (NPP; in mg C/liter/hour) that occurred during this test?

A) 0.75
B) 1.125
C) 1.875
D) 3.0
E) 3.75