Pools, Ponds, Lakes – Flashcards
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Insects are most likely found in which aquatic zone?
a.
pelagic
b.
littoral
c.
benthic
d.
all of the above
answer
b.
littoral
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Why might waterfront realtors be concerned with the health of riparian zones?
answer
Healthy riparian zones are important to waterfront developers because they increase property values, reduce property loss that occurs as a result of erosion, protect water quality by reducing the amount of pollution runoff that enters the water, and enhance habitats for wildlife.
question
Explain the process of eutrophication.
answer
Eutrophication occurs when an excess of nutrients are present in aquatic ecosystems. This excess leads to an increase in phytoplankton growth. When the phytoplankton die, their decomposition causes oxygen in the water to be depleted, which leads to a decrease in aquatic life.
question
Eutrophication is often the result of _______.
a.
increases in animal populations
b.
lack of oxygen in the water
c.
fertilizer runoff entering aquatic ecosystems
d.
a decrease in phytoplankton populations
answer
c.
fertilizer runoff entering aquatic ecosystems
question
The main difference between stream pools and ponds is that stream pools _______.
a.
have an observable current
b.
are located inland
c.
have no access to rivers or streams
d.
are usually larger than ponds
answer
a.
have an observable current
question
Explain why there is greater biodiversity in the littoral zone than there is in the benthic zone.
answer
The littoral zone has a greater biodiversity than the benthic zone because the littoral zone can support plant life. The benthic zone has less light penetration than the littoral zone, so plants cannot thrive in it. The variety of plant life in the littoral zone provides a habitat and food resources for other aquatic animals, which accounts for the greater biodiversity of the littoral zone.
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How do littoral zones differ from riparian zones?
answer
Riparian zones occur where the land meets the water. Littoral zones occur in the transition zone between water and dry land. Littoral zones extend until the water depth is approximately 15 feet. Both zones are important for the health of the aquatic environment.
question
Decomposition in pools, ponds, and lakes takes place mostly in the _______ zone.
a.
pelagic
b.
littoral
c.
benthic
d.
all of the above
answer
c.
benthic
question
Ponds are _______.
a.
typically larger than lakes
b.
able to develop self-contained ecosystems
c.
distinguished by easily observed currents
d.
another name for stream pools
answer
b.
able to develop self-contained ecosystems
question
Compare ponds, lakes, and stream pools.
answer
Ponds and lakes are inland bodies of water that can be either natural or manmade. Lakes are typically larger than ponds and are fed by rivers. Stream pools are a part of a river or creek where the movement of water is slower and there is a greater water depth. They have an easily observed current, unlike lakes and ponds.
