Algae are small photosynthetic organisms found in aquatic ecosystems. As algae grow, they produce and store a carbon-rich oil in their cells. Up to 40% of their body mass can be taken up by oil. Scientists discovered a way to extract the oil to create algae fuel, a biofuel that can be used in place of fossil fuels. Scientists expected that algae would be able to produce up to 60 times more oil per acre than plants, like corn, that are commonly used to produce biofuel.

To commercially produce algae oil, very large ponds for algae growth were constructed. However, scientists soon made two discoveries.
As the algae grew on the ponds, they crowded and shaded one another.
Many insects and other consumers frequently entered the ponds.
Why would these be a problem for algae oil production?
A.
Consumers feed on algae, so they cause the energy stored in algae oil to be permanently lost from the environment.
B.
Shading reduces access to sunlight, so algae produce fewer sugars and are less able to store energy in the oil.
C.
Insects feed on algae, so they cause all of the energy stored in algae oil to be converted back into light energy.
D.
Crowding reduces access to food, so it makes algae less able to take in the sugars needed to produce oil.