5.L.2.1 - Characteristics of Ecosystems

How are lake ecosystems different from estuary ecosystems?

• Estuaries have only freshwater and lakes have only have salt water.

• Estuaries have only salt water and lakes have only have freshwater.

• Lakes are almost always salt water and estuaries are brackish water.

• Lakes are almost always freshwater and estuaries are brackish water.

How are oceans and salt marshes different?

• Salt marshes have deeper water than oceans.

• Salt marshes have shallower water than oceans.

• Salt marshes have more organisms than oceans.

• Salt marshes have more wave action than oceans.

Which two ecosystems are most similar to one another?

• pond and lake

• desert and pond

• ocean and forest

• grassland and forest

Which is a main difference between a grassland and forest ecosystem?

• the amount of trees, as forests have more

• the amount of trees, as grasslands have more

• their location, as only forests are found in North America

• their location, as only grasslands are found in North America

Which two ecosystems provide most of the food for the world’s population?

• ponds and lakes

• estuaries and forests

• grasslands and oceans

• salt marshes and deserts

Which correctly compares lakes and ponds?

• Ponds are usually larger and deeper than lakes.

• Lakes are usually larger and deeper than ponds.

• Ponds usually contain salt water, while lakes contain freshwater.

• Lakes usually have the same temperature from top to bottom, while ponds do not.

Which characteristic would allow many fish to move from ocean to estuary?

• Both ecosystems contain only freshwater.

• Both ecosystems contain sufficient amounts of salt.

• They are both very deep and have cold temperatures.

• Both ecosystems have very little plant life because light cannot reach deep areas.

Which best compares a lake and an estuary ecosystem?

• They both have plants growing in their deepest water.

• They are both affected by the daily changing of tides.

• They both contain a mixture of salt water and freshwater.

• They are both affected by seasonal changes in water temperatures.

Which ecosystem most likely receives the greatest amount of precipitation?

• estuary

• grassland

• rain forest

• salt marsh

Due to their fertile soil, grasslands and estuaries are being used for which purpose?

• agriculture

• fishing

• manufacturing

• tourism