Freshwater and Wetlands Flashcards
What is a lentic freshwater habitat
A freshwater habitat in standing or still water, such as lakes, ponds, pools, reservoirs, and gravel pits
Name some examples of lentic freshwater habitats
Lakes, ponds, pools, reservoirs, gravel pits.
What are the physical characteristics of lentic freshwater habitats?
Size (length, width, depth, volume), shape, turbidity, location, and catchment area.
What does turbidity refer to in lentic freshwater habitats?
Turbidity refers to the clarity of the water, often caused by suspended particles.
Name some chemical characteristics of lentic freshwater habitats.
pH, nitrates, phosphates, dissolved oxygen, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).
What does Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) measure in freshwater habitats?
BOD measures the amount of oxygen required by bacteria to decompose organic matter in the water.
What are some biotic characteristics of lentic freshwater habitats?
Bacteria, algae, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, vegetation.
What types of vegetation are commonly found in lentic freshwater habitats?
Aquatic plants like lilies, reeds, and submerged plants, which provide shelter and food for aquatic organisms.
What is the role of algae in lentic freshwater ecosystems?
Algae produce oxygen through photosynthesis and form the base of the aquatic food chain.
How does water clarity affect lentic freshwater habitats?
Water clarity influences the amount of sunlight that penetrates the water, impacting plant growth and overall ecosystem health.
What should be considered when planning a survey method for a lentic freshwater habitat?
The objectives, location, timing, required equipment, and potential sources of error.
What are some common survey methods for lentic freshwater habitats?
Pond dipping, netting, National Pond Survey, and the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme.
How can errors in surveys be minimized?
By following standardized methods, calibrating equipment, and conducting repeat surveys.
What is pond dipping used for in surveys?
It is used to collect and identify small aquatic organisms in ponds or lakes.
What is the significance of conducting water surveys in lentic freshwater habitats?
Water surveys help monitor chemical characteristics like pH, nitrates, and dissolved oxygen, which affect aquatic life.
What is the importance of surveying physical characteristics of lentic freshwater habitats?
It helps assess habitat quality and determine how physical factors like depth, size, and shape influence biodiversity.
What is the role of species surveys in habitat management?
They provide data on biodiversity, helping to monitor species presence, abundance, and health.
What is qualitative data in interpreting freshwater survey results?
Data that is descriptive, such as annotated maps, diagrams, and written reports.
What defines a lotic freshwater habitat?
A habitat in moving water, such as rivers, streams, and springs.
What are some abiotic factors of lotic freshwater habitats?
River channel form, flow, depth, particle type and size, riparian area characteristics, and climate factors.
What are river features in lotic habitats?
Features like meanders, pools, riffles, and oxbows that shape the flow and biodiversity of the river system.
What is the role of invertebrates in lotic habitats?
Invertebrates act as bioindicators and contribute to the breakdown of organic material, forming an important part of the food chain.
How does flow rate influence a lotic freshwater habitat?
It affects sediment transport, oxygen levels, and species distribution, with fast-flowing areas supporting different organisms than slow-moving sections.
What does particle size in river beds tell us about a lotic freshwater habitat?
It can indicate the river’s energy level, with coarse particles found in faster-flowing areas and finer particles in slower sections.
What is a riffle in a river system?
A shallow area with fast-moving water, often rich in oxygen, which supports specific aquatic life forms.
How does rainfall impact lotic freshwater habitats?
Rainfall affects flow rates, water levels, and sediment load, influencing habitat conditions and species survival.
How does temperature influence a river ecosystem?
Temperature affects oxygen solubility, metabolic rates of organisms, and species distribution in the river.
What survey methods are commonly used for lotic freshwater habitats?
River Habitat Survey, Wetland Bird Survey, Phase 1/National Vegetation Classification (NVC) methodology, Kick sample.
What is the Ramsar Convention related to freshwater wetlands?
It is an international treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide.
What are the abiotic characteristics of freshwater wetlands?
ize, location, catchment area, flow, depth, pH, nitrates, phosphates, salt content, dissolved oxygen, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).
