Ecology Eutrophication

A new golf course is built next to a river. Over the past several months, the nitrate levels of the water in the river have been increasing. Which best explains the cause of the increasing nitrate levels?

• increased growth of algae

• decreased biodiversity

• runoff from fertilizer

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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What does pH measure?

• acidity/alkalinity

• dissolved oxygen

• nutrient level

• turbidity

Which is the most likely result of an increase in the level of nitrates in a body of water?

• increase in turbidity

• increase in plant growth

• increase in fish population

• increase in water temperature

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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Which would most likely happen if too many nutrients entered an estuary?

• Nutrients would be used up by the fish and plants, keeping the estuary in balance.

• Algal blooms would lower dissolved oxygen levels, causing fish to suffocate.

• Algal blooms would decrease, leaving few food resources for fish.

• Nutrients would sink to the bottom, increasing soil deposition.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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How are indicator species like a warning system for bodies of water?

• They indicate when food sources are declining.

• Their illness or death indicates pollution in an aquatic ecosystem.

• They indicate when predators are reducing the numbers of a species.

• Their illness or death indicates the body of water is becoming more populated.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Why does fertilizer pollution stimulate the growth of algae in a pond?

• Algae are producers and use the fertilizer’s nutrients to rapidly multiply.

• Algae are producers and use the fertilizer’s nutrients during decomposition.

• Algae are parasites and absorb energy from the fertilizers in order to grow.

• Algae are herbivores that feed off of the plants, which grow due to the excess fertilizers.

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Why should farmers be concerned about unused nitrates contaminating surface water and groundwater supplies?

• Unused nitrates reduce algae growth.

• Unused nitrates increase oxygen in the water.

• Excessive amounts of nutrients cause overpopulation of fish.

• Excessive amounts of nutrients speed up the eutrophication process.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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If a body of water has high turbidity levels, what can most likely be concluded?

• It has a low pH.

• It is unsafe to drink.

• It is too hot to drink

• It contains a lot of chemicals.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Which water quality indicator can be determined by measuring how light travels through water?

• turbidity

• temperature

• nutrient level

• dissolved oxygen

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which is the most likely effect of too much nitrogen and phosphorus flowing into a lake?

• algal blooms

• greater salinity

• decreased turbidity

• lower temperature

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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