
Dead Zone Mystery Multiple Choices
This passage explores the phenomenon of marine dead zones, areas where oxygen levels are too low to support most aquatic life. Dead zones are primarily caused by nutrient pollution, which leads to algal blooms that consume oxygen as they decompose. The passage outlines the various causes, including runoff from agriculture, sewage discharge, and stratification, where warm surface waters prevent the mixing of oxygen with deeper waters. These dead zones can have severe consequences for both marine ecosystems and the humans who depend on them.
This passage builds vocabulary with words like “eutrophication” and “stratification,” which help students learn about marine ecology. By explaining the process of dead zone formation, students improve their comprehension of how human activities affect the environment. The text also fosters critical thinking as students are asked to consider the broader implications of environmental degradation. Furthermore, it reinforces cause-and-effect reasoning and helps students practice summarizing complex scientific issues.