If the Flow of Energy in an Arctic Ecosystem Goes

question 78

Multiple Choice

If the flow of energy in an arctic ecosystem goes through a simple food chain, perhaps involving humans, starting from phytoplankton to zooplankton to fish to seals to polar bears, then which of the following could be true?

• A) Polar bears can provide more food for humans than seals can.
• B) The total biomass of the fish is lower than that of the seals.
• C) Seal meat probably contains the highest concentrations of fat-soluble toxins.
• D) Seal populations are larger than fish populations.
• E) The fish can potentially provide more food for humans than the seal meat can.

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Definitions:

Radon Exposure

The contact with radon gas, which is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can lead to lung cancer upon prolonged exposure.

Second-Leading Cause

A term used to denote the cause ranked as the second most common or significant factor contributing to a condition or event.

Cancer

A group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body, characterized by genetic mutations and often requiring complex treatments.

Radon-222

A radioactive gas that is a decay product of uranium, which can accumulate in buildings and increase the risk of lung cancer upon exposure.