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B Water Quality - Freshwater Practice SciOly

Total questions: 100

Worksheet time: 50mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Based on the ecological pyramid, what is the trophic level of the cricket?

a)

Producer

b)

Primary Consumer

c)

Secondary Consumer

d)

Tertiary Consumer

2.

Which compound is represented by (Y) in the diagram?

a)

Nitrous acid

b)

Nitric oxide

c)

Nitrogen dioxide

d)

Hydroxylamine

3.

Unobstructed, wide and deep river mouths enable tidal exchange and mixing between estuarine and coastal waters.

a)

True

b)

False

4.

A passage where freshwater from a river meets seawater is called ____.

a)

fault line

b)

reef

c)

escarpment

d)

estuary

5.

Cattails, such as those pictured, are commonly found in which type of aquatic environment?

a)

Deep ocean trenches

b)

Arid deserts

c)

Freshwater wetlands and marshes

d)

Alpine tundra

6.

Water from melting snow or rainfall flowing across farm fields & city streets represents which type of potential pollution?

a)

Point Source Pollution

b)

Urban Pollution

c)

Atmospheric Pollution

d)

Non-Point Source Pollution

7.

Based on the provided classification system for macroinvertebrates, which class does the organism pictured belong to?

a)

Class 1: Pollution Sensitive

b)

Class 3: Moderately Tolerant

c)

Class 4: Pollution Tolerant

d)

Class 5: Air Breathing

8.

Based on the image, the depicted organism belongs to which pollution tolerance class?

a)

Class 1 - Pollution Sensitive

b)

Class 2 - Moderately Sensitive

c)

Class 3 - Moderately Tolerant

d)

Class 4 - Pollution Tolerant

9.

What causes salination in soil?

a)

Pesticides

b)

Saltwater intrusion

c)

Mineral weathering

d)

Dissolved salts in irrigation water

10.

Which of the following common names best identifies the large invertebrate shown in the image?

a)

Mayfly

b)

Dragonfly

c)

Stonefly

d)

Caddisfly

11.

Volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs will cause the water in the surrounding area to become more alkaline.

a)

True

b)

False

12.

Which of the following organisms in the food web are primary producers?

a)

Krill

b)

Phytoplankton

c)

Zooplankton

d)

Fish

13.

The capacity of transmitting fluids is known as Permeability.

a)

True

b)

False

14.

The Greater Water Boatman belongs to which pollution tolerance class?

a)

Class 1: Pollution Sensitive

b)

Class 3: Moderately Tolerant

c)

Class 5: Air Breathing

d)

Class 2: Moderately Sensitive

15.

Which process is represented by the arrows at #36, indicating water movement from trees and land into the atmosphere?

a)

Evaporation

b)

Condensation

c)

Transpiration

d)

Percolation

16.

Why don't more organisms colonize the deep water layer, if it's so nutrient-rich?

a)

lack of rock erosion

b)

excessive oxygen

c)

high pressures

d)

lack of sunlight

17.

Which of the following processes does NOT add carbon to the atmosphere?

a)

volcanic eruptions

b)

respiration

c)

fossilization

d)

photosynthesis

18.

The correct order for potable water treatment is:

a)

1,2,3,4

b)

4,1,3,2

c)

2,1,3,4

d)

4,2,1,3

19.

Based on the image, to which pollution tolerance class does this organism typically belong?

a)

Class 1: Pollution Sensitive

b)

Class 2: Moderately Sensitive

c)

Class 3: Moderately Tolerant

d)

Class 4: Pollution Tolerant

20.

The visible sandy/silty streambed in the image is most indicative of which of the following stream characteristics?

a)

A high-gradient stream with a bedrock substrate.

b)

A low-gradient stream with a high potential for sediment deposition.

c)

Consistently high dissolved oxygen levels due to rapid aeration.

d)

The absence of any significant watershed erosion.

21.

In the provided food web, which of the following organisms is a producer?

a)

Phytoplankton

b)

Zooplankton

c)

Small Planktivorous Fish

d)

Wading Birds

22.

Which of the following is considered point source pollution?

a)

Sediment from construction

b)

Discharge from wastewater treatment

c)

Pesticide

d)

Runoff

23.

Which of the following is NOT true about factors that influences the nutrient and oxygen content, turbidity, and rate of flow in rivers and streams?

a)

Leaves and other vegetation entering the water add organic matter

b)

Streams and rivers flowing through areas of high erosion will have more suspended materials than those surrounded by hard substrates

c)

Erosion of rocks in the streambed increases inorganic nutrient content

d)

Large amounts of suspended organic matter decreases turbidity

24.

Which of the following organisms is a carrier of encephalitis viruses?

a)

Blackfly

b)

Mosquito

c)

Water strider

d)

Whirligig beetle

25.

A floating vessel accidentally ran into a reef and started spilling oil into the water. What kind of pollution would this be?

a)

Organic

b)

Inorganic

c)

Toxic

d)

Thermal

26.

During which period did the Lake Padden rainbow trout population experience the most rapid growth?

a)

1999-2000

b)

2000-2001

c)

2001-2002

d)

2005-2006

27.

Graph E shows a negative relationship between Fecal Coliform and Sedimentation. Which statement best describes the common association between these two parameters in a stream experiencing runoff?

a)

Increased sedimentation directly reduces the concentration of fecal coliform bacteria.

b)

Fecal coliform levels are generally independent of sedimentation.

c)

Increased sedimentation often results from runoff events that can also carry fecal matter, leading to an increase in fecal coliform.

d)

Fecal coliform bacteria are known to break down sediment particles, thus reducing sedimentation.

28.

Deep-sea fishing is most likely which of the following threats?

a)

Threat #1

b)

Threat #2

29.

When a fresh-water river discharges into a saline sea in which the range of tide is infinity, an arrested salt wedge results.

a)

True

b)

False

30.

What piece of laboratory equipment is depicted in the left panel?

a)

Autoclave

b)

Incubator

c)

Refrigerator

d)

Centrifuge

31.

The test for turbidity describes what characteristics of water?

a)

Odor

b)

Mineral concentration of the water

c)

Suspended material in the water

d)

Metal concentration of the water

32.

Hypoxia may result in:

a)

Eutrophication

b)

Algae Blooms

c)

Acid Rain

d)

Dead Zones

33.

Modern coral reefs are formed by the accumulation of body segments of hard corals. The reef structure is formed by what body segments of these corals?

a)

Their fans

b)

The leg and arm segments

c)

The exoskeletons

d)

Coral polyps

34.

High turbidity will make the rate of photosynthesis ______

a)

higher

b)

lower

35.

Dragonflies are typically classified into which pollution tolerance group?

a)

Class 1: Pollution Sensitive

b)

Class 2: Moderately Sensitive

c)

Class 3: Moderately Tolerant

d)

Class 5: Air Breathing

36.

The extensive growth of aquatic vegetation is often a symptom of which ecological process?

a)

Oligotrophication

b)

Denitrification

c)

Eutrophication

d)

Bioremediation

37.

The organism in image 30 is typically found in which pollution tolerance class?

a)

Class 1 Pollution Sensitive

b)

Class 2 Moderately Sensitive

c)

Class 3 Moderately Tolerant

d)

Class 4 Pollution Tolerant

38.

The *top* organism in image 28 is an indicator of what type of water quality?

a)

Excellent (Pollution Sensitive)

b)

Good (Moderately Sensitive)

c)

Fair (Moderately Tolerant)

d)

Poor (Pollution Tolerant)

39.

What is the normal pH for most natural bodies of water located in the US?

a)

5.5-6.5

b)

6.5-8.5

c)

7.5-9.5

d)

8.5-9.5

e)

9.5-10.5

40.

The organism shown in the image is an example of an aquatic invasive species. Which of the following common names best identifies this organism?

a)

Zebra Mussel

b)

Spiny Water Flea

c)

Asian Carp

d)

Asian Tiger Mosquito

41.

The deer in the image are large herbivores. Their feeding on aquatic or riparian vegetation would be an example of which type of community interaction?

a)

Predation

b)

Parasitism

c)

Herbivory

d)

Mutualism

42.

What is 2 + 2?

a)

3

b)

4

c)

5

d)

6

43.

The capital of France is:

a)

Paris

b)

Berlin

c)

Madrid

d)

Rome

44.

Fill in the blank: The sky is ___ during the day.

a)

blue

b)

green

c)

red

d)

yellow

45.

Which of the following is a fruit?

a)

Carrot

b)

Apple

c)

Broccoli

46.

The type of coral that creates the foundation of most coral reefs is:

a)

Worm coral

b)

Hermatypic

c)

Ahermatypic Corals

d)

All of the above

e)

None of the above

47.

Based on the provided image, to which pollution tolerance class does this organism belong according to Science Olympiad Water Quality guidelines?

a)

Class 1 Pollution Sensitive

b)

Class 3 Moderately Tolerant

c)

Class 4 Pollution Tolerant

d)

Class 5 Air Breathing

48.

What is the trophic level of the Killer whale in this specific food chain?

a)

Tertiary consumer

b)

Secondary consumer

c)

Quaternary consumer

d)

Producer

49.

Phosphorus is often a limiting nutrient for plant growth. What form is most readily available for plant uptake?

a)

Oxidized Phosphate

b)

Organic Phosphate

c)

Phosphide

d)

Inorganic Phosphate

50.

The Chesapeake Bay, seen below, is the largest estuary in the United States, located in an impact crater where a meteor struck over 35 million years ago. Which of the following best categorizes the Chesapeake Bay?

a)

Bar-built estuary

b)

Coastal plain estuary

c)

Fjord

d)

Tectonic estuary

51.

Assume there is a lake (at standard temperature and pressure) with a pH of 8.0. In a freak accident involving a chemical supply truck, enough hydrochloric acid is accidentally dumped into the lake to multiply its H+ ion concentration by a factor of 100. What is the new pH of the lake?

a)

6.0

b)

10.0

c)

7.5

d)

5.0

52.

Based on the image, this organism belongs to which pollution tolerance class?

a)

Class 1 Pollution Sensitive

b)

Class 3 Moderately Tolerant

c)

Class 4 Pollution Tolerant

d)

Class 5 Air Breathing

53.

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between turbidity and water quality or measurement?

a)

Calcium carbonate concentration and nitrate levels are the primary determinants of this water quality parameter.

b)

Relying on heavy irrigation for farming will increase the amount of this aquatic factor due to increased sediment runoff.

c)

This compound is the main component of industrial fertilizer and is a major contributor to eutrophication.

d)

One of the most important indicators of water quality; it is essential for the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms.

e)

As the concentration of suspended solids increases, this aquatic factor also increases.

54.

The process labeled 'Assimilation' in the diagram refers to:

a)

Conversion of organic nitrogen to ammonia.

b)

Uptake and incorporation of inorganic nitrogen compounds into organic matter by organisms.

c)

Reduction of nitrate to nitrite.

d)

Oxidation of ammonia to nitrite.

55.

A student carefully pours four immiscible liquids—ethanol, olive oil, water, and corn syrup—into a tall, narrow container. After the liquids settle, they form distinct layers. From top to bottom, what is the correct order of these layers?

a)

Water, olive oil, corn syrup, ethanol

b)

Corn syrup, water, olive oil, ethanol

c)

Ethanol, water, olive oil, corn syrup

d)

Ethanol, olive oil, water, corn syrup

56.

55. Water is a chemical.

a)

True

b)

False

57.

According to Science Olympiad Water Quality guidelines, to which pollution tolerance class does the organism in the image belong?

a)

Class 1 (Pollution Sensitive)

b)

Class 2 (Moderately Sensitive)

c)

Class 4 (Pollution Tolerant)

d)

Class 5 (Air Breathing)

58.

The process converting N2 (dinitrogen gas) to (NH3) ammonia, as shown in the diagram, is known as:

a)

Nitrification

b)

Denitrification

c)

Nitrogen Fixation

d)

Anammox

59.

If 10,000 kcal enters the food pyramid, calculate the amount of energy available at level 3.

(a)  

60.

Acids, salts, and metals are examples of

a)

Oxygen demanding wastes

b)

Organic plant nutrients

c)

Inorganic plant nutrients

d)

Water soluble inorganic chemicals

61.

Water hardness means an increase concentration of

a)

Sodium

b)

Zinc

c)

Lead

d)

Calcium

62.

An increase in nutrient levels (e.g., nitrates and phosphates) in an aquatic ecosystem often leads to which of the following phenomena?

a)

Increased dissolved oxygen levels

b)

Reduced algal growth

c)

Eutrophication and potential algal blooms

d)

Higher biodiversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates

63.

Identify the common name of the adult macroinvertebrate pictured in the top panel.

a)

Mayfly

b)

Stonefly

c)

Caddisfly

d)

Dragonfly

64.

Based on its classification as an indicator organism, what pollution tolerance class does the organism in Image E belong to?

a)

Class 1 (Pollution Sensitive)

b)

Class 2 (Moderately Sensitive)

c)

Class 3 (Moderately Tolerant)

d)

Class 4 (Pollution Tolerant)

65.

Both the Riffle Beetle and Dobsonfly larva are classified as Class 1 organisms. What does their presence typically indicate about the water quality of an aquatic ecosystem?

a)

The water is highly polluted with organic waste.

b)

The water has low dissolved oxygen levels.

c)

The water is generally clean and unpolluted.

d)

The water is experiencing significant thermal pollution.

66.

Dissolved oxygen levels that drop below _____ can cause stress to aquatic life

a)

5 mg/L

b)

10 mg/L

c)

15 mg/L

d)

20 mg/L

67.

Zebra mussels are known for their rapid colonization and spread. Which life history trait contributes significantly to their success as an invasive species, particularly regarding reproduction?

a)

They are hermaphroditic, allowing for self-fertilization.

b)

They produce a large number of free-swimming veliger larvae.

c)

They reproduce exclusively by asexual budding.

d)

They have a long juvenile period, allowing for greater dispersal.

68.

What type of toxins are present in the spines of the crown of thorns starfish?

a)

Neurotoxin

b)

Myotoxin

c)

Necrotoxin

d)

Saponin

e)

Cyanotoxin

69.

Eutrophication in lakes is frequently the direct result of

a)

nutrient enrichment

b)

industrial poisons

c)

a diminished supply of nitrates

d)

an increase in predators

e)

decreased light penetration

70.

Daily Ph Cycle peaks at night

a)

True

b)

False

71.

A water sample shows a dissolved oxygen saturation of 20%. Which of the following is the most likely ecological implication for aquatic organisms in this water body?

a)

Most aquatic life, especially fish, would thrive due to abundant oxygen.

b)

The water is likely experiencing an algal bloom, leading to oxygen supersaturation.

c)

This level of oxygen is too low to support most aerobic aquatic organisms, potentially leading to fish kills.

d)

The low saturation indicates high water flow and turbulence, increasing oxygen levels.

72.

What type of symbiosis is it when one species benefits from the relationship while the other is harmed?

a)

Mutualism

b)

Commensalism

c)

Parasitism

d)

Competition

73.

What is the independent variable in this experiment on duckweed growth?

a)

Number of plants

b)

Day

c)

Type of water solution

d)

Temperature of water

74.

Which of the following best describes the process of "Evapo-transpiration" as shown in the diagram?

a)

Water vapor rising from open water bodies.

b)

Water seeping into the ground from the surface.

c)

The combined loss of water from the land surface through evaporation and plant transpiration.

d)

Water flowing over the land surface in a sheet.

75.

Which organism from the food web is categorized as Class 3 Moderately Tolerant?

a)

Mayfly

b)

Dragonfly

c)

Leech

d)

Trout

76.

Which of the following is a significant ecological impact of the organism shown in the image on freshwater ecosystems?

a)

Decreased water clarity due to increased turbidity.

b)

Direct competition with native filter-feeding organisms for food resources.

c)

Increased primary productivity by consuming excess nutrients.

d)

Providing a new food source for most native fish species.

77.

Based on its identification, which pollution tolerance class does the organism in the image belong to?

a)

Class 1: Pollution Sensitive

b)

Class 2: Moderately Sensitive

c)

Class 3: Moderately Tolerant

d)

Class 4: Pollution Tolerant

78.

Which site (Pro, Ref, or Eco) would likely support the highest diversity of pollution-sensitive macroinvertebrates, assuming temperature is a primary limiting factor?

a)

Pro, due to its higher average temperature

b)

Ref, as it represents a moderate condition

c)

Eco, due to its lower average maximum temperature

d)

All sites would support similar diversity

79.

What is the common name of the organism depicted in the image?

a)

Mayfly

b)

Dragonfly

c)

Mosquito

d)

Stonefly

80.

The polyp stage of a coral can produce using which of the following methods?

a)

Budding

b)

Fission

c)

Sexually

d)

Asexually

e)

All of the above

81.

The California current flows in what direction?

a)

from East to West

b)

from West to East

c)

from North to South

d)

from South to North

82.

If the population of Krill significantly decreased, which of the following organisms would likely be most directly and negatively impacted?

a)

Seagull

b)

Killer whale

c)

Blue whale

d)

Elephant seal

83.

According to the diagram, which statement best describes the direction of energy flow within this food web?

a)

Energy flows from consumers to producers.

b)

Energy flows from higher trophic levels to lower trophic levels.

c)

Energy flows from producers to consumers, and then to decomposers.

d)

Energy is created by consumers and then transferred.

84.

When compared against the other main nutrient cycles, the phosphorus cycle is unique in that it

a)

Never enters the atmosphere

b)

Does not affect water

c)

Is used to form rocks

d)

Causes eutrophication

85.

Which of the following graphs accurately depicts a typical relationship between sedimentation and the labeled parameter in a freshwater aquatic ecosystem?

a)

Graph A

b)

Graph B

c)

Graph C

d)

Graph F

86.

In which one of the following zones does most photosynthesis occur?

a)

benthic zone

b)

limnetic zone

c)

littoral zone

d)

photic zone

87.

Approximately what percentage of the world's population lacks access to acceptable water sanitation?

a)

30%

b)

40%

c)

50%

d)

60%

88.

In the treatment of wastewater, the term coagulation refers to

a)

Addition of alum which causes particles to give off a positive charge

b)

Uses polymers to cause clumped particles to aggregate and drop out of solution

c)

Is not effective at reducing phosphates

d)

Is a relatively new technology to improve wastewater treatment

e)

Is the final step in wastewater treatment

89.

Coastal indentures in which there is a measurable dilution of sea water by land drainage - that is freshwater inflow plus precipitation is greater than evaporation. This is a __________.

a)

neutral estuary

b)

positive estuary

c)

negative estuary

90.

You and your coworkers gather up your equipment and head out to visit Creek No Name. The air temperature is 29°C. The water temperature is 20°C. The pH is 7.0 in running water and 7.5 in still water. The water depth is 1 foot at your monitoring site. It is warm and dry and has not rained in several weeks. The water is clear and there is no visible suspended material. You begin to collect macroinvertebrates. There are 22 may-fly larvae, 3 stonefly larvae, 8 caddisfly larvae, 1 dobsonfly, 3 water penny beetles, 21 gilled snails, 1 damselfly, and 3 flatworms. How would you rate the water quality?

a)

Good

b)

Average

c)

Poor

91.

What primary method of respiration does the aquatic macroinvertebrate shown in the image utilize?

a)

Cutaneous respiration

b)

Tracheal gills

c)

Lungs (pulmonate)

d)

Gills

92.

At which depth is the temperature highest?

a)

2000 m

b)

1500 m

c)

1000 m

d)

500 m

93.

Identify the macroinvertebrate shown in the image.

a)

Caddisfly

b)

Mayfly

c)

Stonefly

d)

Dragonfly

94.

Activated carbon (AC) is used in both treatment of drinking water and wastewater, almost always in very specialized circumstances involving organic chemicals. The process by which AC reduces these contaminants is

a)

Filtration

b)

Adsorption

c)

pH adjustment

d)

Chemical neutralization

95.

Based on the provided image, what is the pollution tolerance classification for this macroinvertebrate?

a)

Class 1 - Pollution Sensitive

b)

Class 2 - Moderately Sensitive

c)

Class 3 - Moderately Tolerant

d)

Class 5 - Air Breathing

96.

Acids, salts, and metals are examples of:

a)

oxygen-demanding wastes.

b)

organic plant nutrients.

c)

inorganic plant nutrients.

d)

water-soluble inorganic chemicals

97.

Which of the following statements accurately describe energy transfer between trophic levels in an ecosystem?

a)

Energy transfer between trophic levels is never 100% efficient, as a significant portion of energy is lost as heat during metabolic processes and not all biomass is consumed or assimilated.

b)

On average, only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is typically transferred to the next, with the remaining 90% being lost primarily through metabolic activities and unconsumed organic matter.

c)

The efficiency of energy transfer significantly increases at higher trophic levels, with transfers between tertiary and quaternary consumers being much more efficient than those between producers and primary consumers.

d)

Approximately 90% of the energy assimilated by an organism at a lower trophic level is used for its own life processes (e.g., respiration, growth, waste), with only about 10% available for transfer to the next trophic level.

98.

What is an important role that estuaries serve?

a)

Decreases nutrient flow which decreases inland eutrophication.

b)

Creates moisture and increase humidity in the area.

c)

Filters water going that flows into the land.

d)

Provides wind power to wind mills inland.

e)

None of the above.

99.

Which of the following is the smallest amount of a contaminant?

a)

1 ppm (part per million)

b)

1 ppb (part per billion)

c)

1 ppt (part per trillion)

d)

1 pph (part per hundred)

100.

High levels of which nutrients can lead to an algal bloom?

a)

Water

b)

Carbon

c)

Nitrogen

d)

Phosphorus