All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Name an ecological effect of eutrophication.
Answer: Loss of fish habitat. Oxygen depletion eliminates suitable living conditions for many fish species.
Flashcard 2: Which process in the nitrogen cycle can exacerbate eutrophication?
Answer: Nitrification. Converts ammonia to nitrates, adding bioavailable nitrogen to water.
Flashcard 3: How does eutrophication affect aquatic food webs?
Answer: Disrupts trophic levels. Changes primary producers and eliminates species dependent on clear water.
Flashcard 4: Identify a societal impact of eutrophication.
Answer: Economic loss in fisheries. Reduced fish populations and water quality affect commercial fishing industry.
Flashcard 5: Identify a legislative measure to combat eutrophication.
Answer: Clean Water Act. Federal law regulating water pollution and nutrient discharge limits.
Flashcard 6: Which season is eutrophication most pronounced?
Answer: Summer. Warm temperatures accelerate algae growth and decomposition rates.
Flashcard 7: Name an ecological effect of eutrophication.
Answer: Loss of fish habitat. Oxygen depletion eliminates suitable living conditions for many fish species.
Flashcard 8: What is a visible sign of algal blooms?
Answer: Green surface scum. Dense algae mats float on surface creating characteristic green appearance.
Flashcard 9: How does eutrophication affect aquatic food webs?
Answer: Disrupts trophic levels. Changes primary producers and eliminates species dependent on clear water.
Flashcard 10: What is a common source of phosphorus in water bodies?
Answer: Fertilizers. Contain high concentrations of phosphorus that wash into water bodies.
Flashcard 11: Which gas is depleted during eutrophication, harming aquatic life?
Answer: Oxygen. Consumed by decomposing bacteria breaking down dead organic matter.
Flashcard 12: Which process results from algae blooms in eutrophication?
Answer: Hypoxia or oxygen depletion. Dead algae decomposition consumes dissolved oxygen, creating oxygen-poor conditions.
Flashcard 13: Identify a practice to minimize nutrient runoff.
Answer: Crop rotation. Alternating crops reduces continuous nutrient depletion and runoff.
Flashcard 14: What is eutrophication?
Answer: Excessive nutrient enrichment in water bodies leading to algae blooms. Occurs when too many nutrients cause rapid plant growth and ecosystem imbalance.
Flashcard 15: Identify a primary nutrient causing eutrophication.
Answer: Phosphorus. Key limiting nutrient that triggers rapid algae growth when abundant.
Flashcard 16: Identify a common indicator of eutrophication in water.
Answer: Increased turbidity. Algae growth makes water cloudy and reduces light penetration.
Flashcard 17: What is a consequence of eutrophication on water quality?
Answer: Decreased water clarity. Algae clouds water and reduces visibility and light penetration.
Flashcard 18: Which type of pollution is linked to eutrophication?
Answer: Non-point source pollution. Diffuse pollution from many sources like farms and urban areas.
Flashcard 19: What is the effect of eutrophication on recreational activities?
Answer: Reduced recreational appeal. Algae blooms and foul odors deter swimming, boating, and fishing.
Flashcard 20: Name a method to reduce eutrophication.
Answer: Buffer strips. Vegetation strips filter nutrients from runoff before reaching waterways.
Flashcard 21: What role do wetlands play in controlling eutrophication?
Answer: Nutrient filtration. Plants absorb excess nutrients and slow water flow to trap sediments.
Flashcard 22: What is the role of decomposers in eutrophication?
Answer: They consume oxygen while breaking down algae. Bacterial decomposition of dead algae uses up dissolved oxygen.
Flashcard 23: How does urban runoff contribute to eutrophication?
Answer: Carries nutrients into waterways. Stormwater picks up fertilizers, pet waste, and other nutrient sources.
Flashcard 24: What is the role of algae in the eutrophication process?
Answer: Algae bloom and block sunlight. Dense growth shades underwater plants, preventing photosynthesis.
Flashcard 25: Which factor can naturally limit eutrophication?
Answer: Nutrient uptake by plants. Healthy vegetation absorbs nutrients before they reach water bodies.
Flashcard 26: Which organism benefits temporarily from eutrophication?
Answer: Phytoplankton. Microscopic algae that rapidly multiply when nutrients are abundant.
Flashcard 27: What is the role of cyanobacteria in eutrophication?
Answer: They form harmful blooms. Blue-green algae produce toxins and dominate in nutrient-rich conditions.
Flashcard 28: Which factor exacerbates the effects of eutrophication?
Answer: Rising temperatures. Heat accelerates metabolic processes and algae growth rates.
Flashcard 29: What is the role of riparian buffers in eutrophication control?
Answer: They reduce nutrient flow. Vegetation along waterways absorbs nutrients and prevents erosion.
Flashcard 30: Identify a governmental strategy for reducing eutrophication.
Answer: Nutrient management plans. Policies limiting fertilizer use and requiring nutrient reduction strategies.