44 Questions
What is the key difference between native, non-native, and invasive species in aquatic environments?
Native species are those naturally found in an ecosystem, non-native species are introduced externally, and invasive species cause harm to the ecosystem.
Which physiographic province in Maryland is characterized by its flat terrain and is known for being part of the Coastal Plain?
Piedmont
What is the primary purpose of federal and state agencies overseeing water resources?
To provide oversight and protect water quality
How does climate change impact water resources in Maryland?
Climate change increases water demand and deteriorates water quality
Which type of aquifer is most vulnerable to saltwater intrusion based on the provided information?
Unconfined aquifers
What historical trends threaten groundwater quantity and quality according to the text?
Saltwater intrusion into aquifers
Which of the following is a common misconception related to water protection laws?
Water protection laws are unnecessary due to natural purification processes
In what way do physiographic provinces impact water resources conservation?
Different provinces require varied conservation strategies based on their unique characteristics
What factor affects the rate of stream runoff according to the text?
Vegetation type
How has the pH of surface ocean waters changed since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution?
It has decreased by 0.1 pH units
What is the role of the water cycle in soil nutrient erosion according to the text?
Accelerating erosion
Which factor affects stream runoff amount according to the text?
Land geology
What is the significance of healthy watersheds according to the text?
They play a key role in water conservation
What environmental change has occurred in surface ocean waters since the Industrial Revolution?
Increased acidity
Which of the following is NOT a factor influencing stream orders according to the text?
Distance from the equator
How do riparian zones impact streamflow according to the text?
Decrease flow rate
What relationship does cold water have with oxygen content compared to warm water?
Cold water holds more oxygen than warm water.
Which type of water, when saline, has the highest oxygen content?
Cold saline water
What is the relationship between temperature and oxygen content in aquatic ecosystems?
Cold water holds more oxygen than warm water.
What do abiotic factors in an ecosystem depend on?
Each other
Which factor determines the oxygen content in cold, saline water?
Temperature
What is the impact of climate change on the oxygen levels of aquatic ecosystems?
Climate change decreases oxygen levels in aquatic ecosystems.
What is the primary reason why cold, salty, dense water sinks towards the ocean bottom?
High density
"Ecosystems are complex and interconnected systems" mainly refers to the interaction between:
Biotic factors and abiotic factors.
What is the purpose of using spill containment systems during the handling of agrichemicals?
To reduce the risk of agrichemical spills or leaks
Which action helps in reducing the potential for accidental spills to reach waterways and groundwater?
Applying spill containment measures
What does TMDL stand for in the context of water protection and conservation?
Total Maximum Daily Load
How many states are part of the TMDL established for Chesapeake Bay in 2010?
6 states
What is the average water usage per day for a U.S. citizen according to the text?
355,000 million gallons
Which of the following is NOT a recommended action for water protection according to the text?
Sediment extraction
What physiological benefit do livestock fencing and diversion provide according to the text?
Reducing risks to humans handling agrichemicals
What is a key link in the food web forage species that supports one of the largest commercial fisheries on the Atlantic coast?
Atlantic Menhaden
Which of the following is an example of a submerged aquatic vegetation value common species?
Widgeon Grass
What kind of aquatic plant is Hydrilla?
Submerged
Which of the following is considered an invasive fish in both freshwater and brackish water environments?
Blue Catfish
What is a key characteristic used in a dichotomous key to differentiate macroinvertebrates at the family level?
Number and length of tails
Which of the following macroinvertebrates belong to the Order Plecoptera?
Stonefly
What is a common aquatic invasive species known for outcompeting native plants and negatively impacting ecosystems?
Water Chestnut
'Ephemeroptera', 'Plecoptera', and 'Trichoptera' are orders that belong to which group of organisms?
Macroinvertebrates
What effect has the Industrial Revolution had on the pH of surface ocean waters?
Decreased the pH by 0.1 units
How do abiotic factors such as the shape of a watershed affect stream runoff?
They affect both the rate and amount of stream runoff
What is the primary reason for the lower pH indicating a more acidic substance?
Industrial activities releasing pollutants
Which factor primarily influences streamflow changes?
Human-induced mechanisms
Why are healthy watersheds economically beneficial according to the provided information?
They provide valuable ecosystem services
Study Notes
- Soil development is influenced by five major factors: parent material, climate, living organisms, topography, and time.
- Parent material can be organic or mineral and greatly influences the type and rate of soil development.
- Soil properties like texture, depth of bedrock, water table, flooding, and slope directly impact soil interpretations in the field.
- The Soil Capability Classification System is used to protect farmland from urban pressure by understanding and applying land capabilities.
- The soil profile, with its unique characteristics in different layers, can provide valuable information about the landscape history and soil properties.
- Soil scientists recognize four major processes that change parent material into soil: additions, losses, translocations, and transformations.
- Conservation practices for water protection include reducing erosion, planting cover crops, creating buffer zones, and implementing livestock fencing.
This quiz covers characteristics of different types of aquifers, historical trends and threats to groundwater quantity and quality, Maryland's physiographic provinces, and differences between native, non-native, and invasive species in aquatic environments. Test your knowledge now!
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