Chapter 6: The Aquatic Environment

Question 1

True or False

The African clawed frog (Xenopus spp.) remains fully aquatic through all life stages

Answer 1

True

Question 2

True or False

The optimum water pH for aquatic species is between 4.0 and 7.0

Answer 2

False

They prefer a narrow pH range of 6.8-7.1

Question 3

True or False

Calcium hardness is the measure of both calcium and magnesium ions in the system

Answer 3

False
Calcium hardness = measure of the calcium ions in the system
Total hardness= measure of both calcium and magnesium ions

Question 4

True or False

Most amphibians live in cool, dark environments in the wild; direct exposure to bright light should be avoided

Answer 4

True

Question 5

True or False
Municipal city water used in animal tanks must be tested at regular intervals for toxic chemical additives and heavy metals, such as chlorides, chloramines, and copper

Answer 5

True

Question 6

List 3 characteristics that are required for tanks used as primary enclosures for aquatic species

Answer 6

1- sturdy
2- stable
3- impermeable

Question 7

Name 3 types of tank systems used for aquatic tanks

Answer 7

1- static
2- recirculating
3- flow-through

Question 8

What substances found in some disinfecting compounds and detergents are highly toxic to amphibians?

Answer 8

Phenolics

Question 9

List 5 parameters that must be monitored and measured to maintain water quality in an aquatic system

Answer 9

1- temperature
2- pH
3- chlorine
4- conductivity
5- hardness

Question 10

Amount of oxygen molecules on the water

Answer 10

Dissolved oxygen

Question 11

Disinfectant sometimes added to municipal water

Answer 11

Chlorine

Question 12

African clawed frog

Answer 12

Xenopus species

Question 13

Measure of hydrogen ions within the system

Answer 13

pH

Question 14

A tank system with a constant water stream

Answer 14

Flow-through system

Question 15

Measure of dissolved salts and minerals in a solution

Answer 15

Conductivity

Question 16

Danio rerio

Answer 16

Zebrafish

Question 17

Process of water molecules diffusing across a membrane

Answer 17

Osmosis

Question 18

Inert substance that is a substrate which binds nitrifying bacteria

Answer 18

Biological filter

Question 19

Measure of specific ions dissolved in the water

Answer 19

Water hardness

Question 20

Tropical amphibian species can be maintained at a water temperature of _________

Answer 20

21-29C

70-85F

Question 21

Amphibians from temperate regions do well at a water temperature of _________

Answer 21

18-22C

65-72F

Question 22

List 4 standard methods for dechlorinating water

Answer 22

1- let water sit in open containers for 24-48 hours
2- aerate the water
3- add sodium thiosulfate
4- pass municipal water through activated carbon filters

Question 23

List the 3 types of filters available for aquatic systems

Answer 23

1- biological
2- mechanical
3- chemical

Question 24

What 3 measures can be taken in rooms housing aquatic species to ensure electrical safety?

Answer 24

1- outlets should be GFCI
2- cover the outlets
3- locate outlets at least 1m off the floor

Question 25

What are the 2 products produced from the breakdown of ammonia by bacteria?

Answer 25

1- nitrites or NO2-

2- nitrates or NO3-