Which of the following is an abiotic factor that is having a negative impact on marine populations? O Loss of seagrass beds O Predation by invasive species O The presence of algae blooms O The lack of oxygen in coastal waters
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The lack of oxygen in coastal waters, often referred to as hypoxia, leads to dead zones where marine life cannot survive. This phenomenon is primarily caused by nutrient runoff from fertilizers and organic waste, resulting in excessive algal growth that depletes oxygen levels when the algae die and decompose. Algal blooms themselves can also be harmful; they can produce toxins that directly affect marine organisms and disrupt the food chain. These blooms can emerge from various factors, including pollution and changes in water temperature, which further stress marine populations.