Environmental Factors in Freshwater Systems

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Questions and Answers

What happens to the amount of oxygen in freshwater as the temperature increases?

Remains the same

Decreases (correct)

Increases

Fluctuates

What is the primary source of bicarbonate and carbonate salts in freshwater?

Organic decomposition (correct)

Soil erosion

Rainwater runoff

Industrial waste

Which of the following is NOT a category of aquatic organisms based on trophic levels?

Decomposer organisms

Terrestrial organisms (correct)

Producer organisms

Consumer organisms

Which type of aquatic organism is known to settle on the bottom or live in bottom sediments?

Benthic organisms (B) Signup and view all the answers

Calcium and magnesium bicarbonates are most commonly found in which environment?

Freshwater (D) Signup and view all the answers

Aquatic organisms are classified based on their ecological characteristics. What factor is considered in this classification?

Ecological niches (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role do saprophytic organisms play in the freshwater ecosystem?

Decomposers of organic material (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ecological function of producer organisms in freshwater systems?

Producing organic materials (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does temperature change in water affect aquatic organisms?

It can significantly impact the life of organisms due to their limited temperature range. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of transparency in the freshwater environment?

It determines the penetration of light into the water layers. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Secchi disk?

It is used to assess water transparency levels. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is critical for the distribution of vital gases in freshwater environments?

Current (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why are dissolved gases important in the life of aquatic organisms?

They are essential for respiration and metabolic processes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does light influence aquatic life?

It aids in the photosynthesis of plants and helps animals see. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of human-induced temperature changes in water bodies?

Significant impacts on aquatic life. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What effect does silt turbidity have on aquatic ecosystems?

It decreases the penetration of light needed for plant growth. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Environmental Factors Affecting Freshwater Environments

Temperature is a factor affecting organisms in water. Most organisms have a limited tolerance to temperature changes. Human activities can significantly impact the temperature of water bodies, causing changes in water masses and affecting aquatic life.
Transparency and light penetration are also important factors. Suspended materials (like silt) affect light penetration, impacting the growth of plants. Turbidity, even caused by living organisms, can affect the health of aquatic life. Transparency is measured using a Secchi disk.
Water currents play a crucial role in the distribution of organisms, especially in rivers and springs. These currents affect the distribution of vital gases, salts, and small organisms.

Dissolved Gases

Dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide are vital in marine environments, and their levels are key indicators of water quality. Oxygen levels decrease with increasing temperature, and are depleted by organic matter decomposition.

Salinity Concentrations

The salt concentrations in freshwater depend on the geology of the surrounding land. Important salts include calcium and magnesium bicarbonates which can precipitate out. Freshwater salinity can be affected by weathering, organic decomposition and atmospheric interactions.

Ecological Distribution of Organisms

Aquatic organisms are classified based on their characteristics and ecological niche. Systems categorizing organisms depend on their position in the food chain or energy chain.
- Producers—like green plants and microorganisms—create organic matter.
- Consumers—include secondary producers, plant-eaters, predators, and parasites.
Other organism classifications based on their life style are:
- Benthic organisms—live on the bottom of water bodies.
- Attached organisms—attach themselves to aquatic plants.
- Plankton—floaters that rely on water currents.
- Nekton—swimming organisms.
- Nestons—swim on the water's surface.
- Saprophytic (decomposers)—break down organic materials.

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Description

Explore the various environmental factors that affect freshwater ecosystems. This quiz covers the impacts of temperature, light penetration, and water currents on aquatic life. Understand the significance of dissolved gases and how human activities influence water quality.