Unit 3 Flashcards
What are some of the chemical and physical properties that influence ecology and aquatic organisms?
Water layers at different depths and regions influence the survival of aquatic organisms. Some chemical properties are: oxygen, pH, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
What is most of the atmosphere made up of?
The atmosphere is made of 78% nitrogen.
How does nature get the atmospheric nitrogen into the system for organisms to use?
Bacteria has to convert this gas into a more usable form for plants.
What are some of the ways that nitrogen can get into the aquatic system?
Sewage that isn’t properly treated can carry high levels of nitrogen compounds; ammonia is a nitrogen compound that is flushed down the drain; fish excrete ammonia, which can be oxidized to nitrates; farmers apply chemical fertilizers or animal manure that can run-off into waterways.
They are bad because they destroy ecosystems and make water undrinkable, which can make animals and humans sick.
How does nature get phosphorus into the system for organisms to use?
Rocks wear down through weather and release phosphorus. The main source of naturally occurring phosphorus is in sedimentary rocks.
What are some of the ways that phosphorus can get into the aquatic system?
Runoff and erosion can sweep phosphorus bound to soil into waterways; farmers apply chemical fertilizers containing phosphorus; phosphorus compounds are used in detergents and cleaning chemicals that are washed down the drain.
What is turbidity in water and what causes the higher amount of it?
Turbidity is a visual characteristic of water that relates to how much light is scattered due to particles and materials suspended or dissolved in water. Causes include organic matter, plankton, algae, silt, sediments, and clay.
What are some of the negative impacts of turbid water?
Turbid bodies of water have reduced sunlight penetration affecting primary productivity, can harbor pathogens causing disease, look bad for recreation, and impact fish gill function.
What does pH mean and what are the ranges of pH for acid, base, and neutral?
pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in water. The pH scale ranges from 0-14: 0-6 is acidic, 7 is neutral, and 8-14 is basic.
What are some optimal ranges for aquatic life?
Optimal ranges for aquatic life vary but generally include specific pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels.
How can changing pH levels affect the survival of organisms?
Changing pH levels may increase carbon dioxide levels in water and can lower pH levels. pH may increase going deeper into the water.
What is a watershed and why does it matter?
A watershed is an area of land that drains all of the streams and rainfall to a common outlet such as a lake, bay, or ocean. It is important because it dissolves and carries nutrients as water moves across the surface and subsurface.
What are the three natural impacts to watersheds?
Urbanization significantly increases runoff, leading to increased nutrient levels in waterways and increased salinity from road salt.
What are the three human impacts to the watersheds?
Deforestation reduces vegetation, leading to increased runoff and erosion; agriculture causes significant sediment and chemical runoff; urbanization accelerates rainwater runoff, increasing flooding potential.
What is a Riparian zone and how do they help a water system?
The Riparian zone is the area of land that surrounds a body of water. It helps by controlling pollution, stabilizing stream banks, reducing flooding impact, and providing habitat for wildlife.
What are the three different types of lakes?
Chicago Lake, Mississippi River, Gulf of Mexico.
What is stratification of a lake and what causes it?
Stratification occurs when waters within the lake do not mix, creating distinct layers. Causes include differences in water density and little to no natural physical mixing.
What are some of the impacts of a lake stratifying?
Impacts include nutrient accumulation at the bottom, decreased oxygen levels, buildup of dangerous gases, and significant differences in pH between layers.
