[Campbell Biology P.1216] The text mentions that upwelling zones constitute only a 'few perce... | Practice Question

The text mentions that upwelling zones constitute only a 'few percent of the ocean's area'. Despite this small proportion, why are these zones considered highly significant globally?

  • A: They are the primary source of all deep-sea mining resources globally.
  • B: They are the source of more than 25% of all fish caught globally, due to nutrient-rich water stimulating phytoplankton growth.
  • C: They significantly reduce global warming by absorbing large amounts of atmospheric CO2.
  • D: They are the exclusive breeding grounds for all major marine mammal species worldwide.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'Though these upwelling zones make up only a few percent of the ocean's area, they are the source of more than 25% of all fish caught globally.' This highlights their disproportional importance to global fisheries.