Navigating Watersheds and Their Impact on Ecosystems

The video discusses watersheds, their components, and their importance in natural ecosystems. It explains how watersheds function, including the role of streams, wetlands, and groundwater. The video also highlights the impact of human activities, such as urban development and agriculture, on watersheds, leading to issues like pollution and eutrophication. The process of eutrophication is detailed, showing how excess nutrients from fertilizers cause algae blooms, which deplete oxygen in water bodies, creating dead zones. The video emphasizes the need for sustainable practices to protect watershed health.

What is the primary function of a watershed in an ecosystem?

• To prevent all forms of water pollution

• To store rainwater for human use

• To provide recreational areas for humans

• To drain rain and snowmelt into larger bodies of water

Which of the following is NOT a component of a watershed?

• Wetlands

• Mountains

• Groundwater

• Streams

What unique plants are found in wetlands that help them function effectively?

• Hydrophytes

• Cacti

• Conifers

• Deciduous trees

How do wetlands help in flood protection?

• By diverting water to oceans

• By blocking water flow

• By absorbing excess water

• By evaporating water quickly

What is a common way humans impact watersheds?

• By reducing water usage

• By building farms and cities

• By planting more trees

• By cleaning rivers regularly

What is stormwater?

• Water that is used for irrigation

• Water that is purified naturally

• Water that evaporates quickly

• Water collected from storms

What is the main consequence of fertilizer runoff into water bodies?

• Decreased water temperature

• Increased fish population

• Algae blooms

• Improved water clarity

What is eutrophication?

• A process of water purification

• A process of nutrient enrichment leading to algae blooms

• A method of water conservation

• A type of water pollution control

What happens to fish in water bodies affected by eutrophication?

• They thrive due to increased food

• They migrate to other areas

• They suffocate due to lack of oxygen

• They become more resistant to pollution

Where is eutrophication commonly observed?

• In polar ice caps

• In the Gulf of Mexico

• In mountain streams

• In desert regions