Why is cartilage important?

a. it contains a fluid that enables the surfaces of bones to slide over each other smoothly at the joints.
b. it causes bones to fuse together as they grow.
c. it acts as a cushion between bones and protects them as they move against each other.
d. it holds bones together at the joints.

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