Benthic Macroinvertebrates Flashcard

Front

What are the features of benthic macroinvertebrates?

Back

Exoskeletons, jointed legs, segmented bodies

Answer explanation

Benthic macroinvertebrates typically have exoskeletons, jointed legs, and segmented bodies, which are characteristic of arthropods. This distinguishes them from other organisms that may have hard shells or slimy bodies.

Front

How are benthic macroinvertebrates identified?

Back

Using a microscope and taxonomic keys

Answer explanation

Benthic macroinvertebrates can be identified using a microscope to observe their physical characteristics and taxonomic keys, which provide a systematic way to classify them based on these features.

Front

What role do benthic macroinvertebrates play in an aquatic ecosystem?

Back

They indicate water quality, recycle nutrients, and are food for others.

Answer explanation

Benthic macroinvertebrates are crucial in aquatic ecosystems as they indicate water quality, aid in nutrient cycling, and serve as a food source for various organisms, making them integral to ecosystem health.

Front

What are benthic macroinvertebrates and their role in water quality assessment?

Back

Benthic macros live on the bottom of water bodies and indicate water quality. They are sensitive to pollution, useful for monitoring aquatic ecosystem health.

Answer explanation

Benthic macros are crucial for water quality assessment as they indicate ecosystem health. Their sensitivity to pollution and environmental changes makes them effective indicators of water quality in aquatic systems.

Front

How does pollution impact benthic macroinvertebrates?

Back

Reduces their population, diversity, and health.

Answer explanation

Pollution negatively affects benthic macroinvertebrates by reducing their population, diversity, and overall health due to habitat degradation, toxic substances, and decreased water quality.

Front

Why are benthic macroinvertebrates important as bioindicators of water quality?

Back

They are sensitive to changes in water quality and provide information about aquatic ecosystem health.

Answer explanation

Benthic macroinvertebrates are crucial as bioindicators because they are sensitive to water quality changes, reflecting the health of aquatic ecosystems. Their presence or absence can indicate pollution levels and ecosystem health.

Front

Impact of pollution on benthic macroinvertebrates?

Back

Reduces abundance and diversity

Answer explanation

Pollution negatively affects benthic macroinvertebrates by reducing their abundance and diversity. Contaminants can harm their habitats and disrupt their life cycles, leading to fewer species and individuals.

Front

What are the main features of benthic macroinvertebrates?

Back

Exoskeletons, jointed legs, segmented bodies

Answer explanation

Benthic macroinvertebrates possess exoskeletons, jointed legs, and segmented bodies, which are key characteristics of arthropods. The other option incorrectly includes wings and hard shells, which do not apply to all benthic macroinvertebrates.

Front

The ________ larvae has 3 caudal filaments and is found in healthy aquatic systems.

Back

Mayfly

Answer explanation

The Mayfly larvae is characterized by its 3 caudal filaments and is an indicator of healthy aquatic systems, making it the correct choice in this context.

Front

What role do benthic macroinvertebrates play in nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

They recycle nutrients by breaking down organic matter.

Answer explanation

Benthic macroinvertebrates play a crucial role in nutrient cycling by breaking down organic matter, which helps recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem, supporting overall aquatic health.