Aquatic Ecosystems: Freshwater

What is a freshwater ecosystem?

• A freshwater ecosystem is a type of ecosystem found only in the ocean

• A freshwater ecosystem is a type of ecosystem that includes rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams where the water has low salt content.

• A freshwater ecosystem is a type of ecosystem with high salt content

• A freshwater ecosystem is a type of ecosystem that includes deserts and arid regions

Name three examples of freshwater ecosystems.

• Swamps

• 1. Rivers 2. Lakes 3. Ponds

• Reservoirs

• Estuaries

What are the main sources of freshwater in a freshwater ecosystem?

• Ocean water

• Rainwater harvesting systems

• Desalination plants

• Rivers, lakes, streams, and groundwater

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What are some common plants found in freshwater ecosystems?

• Cactus

• Water lilies, cattails, duckweed, water hyacinth

• Palm trees

• Sunflowers

What are some common animals found in freshwater ecosystems?

• Lions, tigers, and bears

• Fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, insects, and mollusks

• Penguins, polar bears, and seals

• Elephants, giraffes, and zebras

Explain the importance of freshwater ecosystems.

• Freshwater ecosystems are important because they provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals, they support biodiversity, they regulate the water cycle, and they provide essential resources for human use such as drinking water, irrigation, and transportation.

• Human use of freshwater resources is not essential

• The water cycle does not depend on freshwater ecosystems

• Freshwater ecosystems are not important because they only support a limited number of species

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What are the threats to freshwater ecosystems?

• Urbanization

• Acid rain

• Global warming

• Industrialization

• Pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, invasive species, and climate change

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How do human activities impact freshwater ecosystems?

• Human activities impact freshwater ecosystems by reducing water quality, destroying habitats, and disrupting the balance of the ecosystem.

• Increasing water quality, preserving habitats, and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem

• Negligible impact on water quality, no effect on habitats, and no disruption of the ecosystem balance

• Enhancing water quality, creating habitats, and improving the balance of the ecosystem

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What are some ways to protect and conserve freshwater ecosystems?

• Reducing water pollution, managing water use, protecting wetlands and riparian areas, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

• Building more dams and reservoirs

• Encouraging industrial waste dumping into rivers

• Clearing wetlands and riparian areas for development

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Describe the process of eutrophication and its impact on freshwater ecosystems.

• Eutrophication leads to increased oxygen levels and enhanced biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems.

• Eutrophication has no impact on algal blooms in freshwater ecosystems.

• Eutrophication results in a decrease in nutrient levels and an increase in biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems.

• Eutrophication can lead to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and a decline in biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems.

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