The figure shows vertical variation of two chemicals P and Q measured in the Pacific Ocean. Identify the correct combination showing (P, Q) pair from the list below.
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In the ocean, oxygen levels typically decrease with depth, while nitrate concentrations increase due to nutrient cycling and deeper water processes.
The figure shows the vertical distribution of two chemicals, P and Q, in the Pacific Ocean. From the graph:
- Chemical P shows a concentration that decreases with depth, which is characteristic of Oxygen. In the ocean, oxygen concentration typically decreases with increasing depth, especially below the euphotic zone where photosynthesis is not taking place.
- Chemical Q shows a concentration that increases with depth, which is characteristic of Nitrate. Nitrate concentrations generally increase with depth due to nutrient cycling and decomposition processes in the deeper layers of the ocean.
Thus, the correct pair of chemicals corresponding to P and Q is Nitrate for P and Oxygen for Q.
Final Answer: \boxed{(C) Nitrate, Oxygen}
