What is the paradox of the plankton? How has this paradox been resolved? Explain your answer using examples related to plankton ecology and biodiversity discussed in class.
a) The paradox of the plankton arises from the coexistence of numerous plankton species competing for limited resources without one dominating the ecosystem. It has been resolved by niche differentiation, where each species occupies a specific ecological niche within the plankton community.
b) The paradox of the plankton refers to the absence of competition among plankton species due to their high reproductive rates. It has been resolved through competitive exclusion, where dominant species outcompete others for resources.
c) The paradox of the plankton suggests that plankton species should not be able to coexist due to competition for resources. It has been resolved by the theory of biodiversity maintenance, which proposes that environmental heterogeneity allows for species coexistence.
d) The paradox of the plankton occurs when plankton species exhibit similar resource requirements, leading to intense competition and low species diversity. It has been resolved by the lottery hypothesis, which suggests that chance events determine species dominance in different habitats.
