14. Which of the following demonstrates the most significant difference between asexual and sexual reproduction?
a. The chromosome number is reduced during asexual reproduction.
b. There is genetic variation as a result of sexual reproduction.
C. The appearance of the organism is changed as a result of sexual reproduction.
d. The number of chromosomes is reduced during sexual reproduction.

answer: - few nutrients

high pressure

low temperatures

explanation: 1. few nutrients:   open-ocean zone is located way far from the land, which is the main source of the essential nutrients.2. high pressure: pressure increases by 1 atmosphere for every 10 meters increase in depth.3. ample sunlight: a large fraction of the sunlight is reflected back to the atmosphere from the sea surface. 4. varying salinity: below the thermocline, the water is isolated from the atmosphere so the salinity remains stable over the year.5. low temperatures:   the temperature of open-ocean zone ranges from a low of -2°c to an average of 17°c