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