Question

If nutrient cycling is disrupted in a forest ecosystem, the most immediate ecological consequence would likely be

• A. Increased rainfall
• B. Reduced primary productivity
• C. Increased temperature
• D. Enhanced pollination

Hint:

Nutrient cycling maintains \[ \boxed{ \text{Soil fertility} \rightarrow \text{Plant growth} \rightarrow \text{Primary productivity} } \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Trace the chain of dependency.
Plants rely on nutrients recycled through the soil (nitrogen, phosphorus, and so on) to grow and carry out photosynthesis.
Step 2: See what happens when that supply is cut.
If nutrient cycling breaks down, plants get starved of these essential nutrients well before any change shows up in rainfall or temperature patterns.
Step 3: Identify the first visible effect.
With less nutrient uptake, plant growth and photosynthesis slow down immediately, which shows up as reduced primary productivity.
\[ \boxed{\text{Reduced primary productivity}} \]