Unit 2 Freshwater Ecology

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere and reaches the ground, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Front

What are freshwater aquatic life zones?

Back

Freshwater aquatic life zones are regions in freshwater bodies that support various forms of life, including lakes, rivers, streams, and inland wetlands.

Front

What characterizes a hypereutrophic lake?

Back

A hypereutrophic lake is characterized by nutrient overload from human activities, leading to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants.

Front

What are lentic systems?

Back

Lentic systems are standing water bodies, such as lakes and ponds, where water is slow-moving or stationary.

Front

What is the littoral zone in lakes?

Back

The littoral zone is the nutrient-rich area near the shore of a lake, where sunlight penetrates and supports diverse plant and animal life.

Front

What is the difference between lentic and lotic systems?

Back

Lentic systems refer to standing water bodies, while lotic systems refer to flowing water bodies, such as rivers and streams.

Front

What is the benthic zone?

Back

The benthic zone is the lowest ecological zone in a body of water, consisting of the sediment surface and sub-surface layers.

Front

What is the profundal zone?

Back

The profundal zone is a deep, dark area of a lake that is below the limnetic zone and lacks sufficient light for photosynthesis.

Front

What is the limnetic zone?

Back

The limnetic zone is the open water area of a lake that is well-lit and supports plankton and fish.

Front

What is eutrophication?

Back

Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.