According to marine biology research, what primary function do Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows fulfill in Mediterranean coastal ecology?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. carbon sequestration and seafloor stabilization
- Step 1: Posidonia oceanica forms extensive underwater meadows endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. Its dense root rhizomes trap organic sediments, sequester vast amounts of 'blue carbon', and prevent coastal shoreline erosion. Answer: carbon sequestration and seafloor stabilization. Why not the others: "intensive commercial aquaculture feed manufacturing" confuses wild marine meadows with commercial aquaculture feeds and fisheries; "deep-sea trench acidification" misattributes oceanic acidification to benthic seagrass ecosystems that actually absorb carbon; "algal bloom acceleration" posits a harmful ecological outcome rather than the protective, water-filtering role of seagrass.
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