Texas Aquatic Science Unit 4: Disruption & Homeostasis

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic defines a dead zone in aquatic ecosystems?

Increased nutrient availability

High salinity levels

Low oxygen levels (correct)

High levels of biodiversity

Which factor does NOT contribute to eutrophication in water bodies?

Sewage dumping

Natural nutrient cycling (correct)

Runoff from farms

Invasive species

How does global warming affect aquatic organisms?

Decreases water temperatures

Increases metabolic rates (correct)

Increases ice cap formation

Reduces evaporation rates

What is a consequence of introducing invasive species to new ecosystems?

Reduction in biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon is primarily caused by human population growth?

Water scarcity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is an example of nonpoint source pollution?

Agricultural runoff Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a positive feedback cycle in aquatic communities?

It is a response that reinforces changes in conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a negative feedback cycle?

The limitation of resources determining average population sizes. Signup and view all the answers

How do invasive species impact aquatic ecosystems?

They outcompete native organisms for resources. Signup and view all the answers

What role does carrying capacity play in negative feedback cycles?

It limits population sizes based on environmental factors. Signup and view all the answers

What effect do algal blooms have on aquatic ecosystems?

They block sunlight, hindering photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about community dynamics in aquatic ecosystems is true?

They can lead to significant ecosystem changes as species adapt. Signup and view all the answers

What typically triggers eutrophication in aquatic systems?

High levels of nutrients from runoff. Signup and view all the answers

Why is a positive feedback cycle considered harmful in the context of aquatic ecosystems?

It reinforces conditions leading to overpopulation. Signup and view all the answers

How can negative feedback mechanisms contribute to the resilience of aquatic communities?

By stabilizing populations in response to environmental changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of introducing zebra mussels into an ecosystem without predators?

Population growth of invasive species Signup and view all the answers

What happens when there is too much rainfall over a short period?

Flooding can occur Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely impact of increasing water temperature and pollution in oceans?

Die off of coral reefs Signup and view all the answers

What effect does pollution have on bodies of water?

Leads to increased algal blooms Signup and view all the answers

What could result from polluted and unhealthy bodies of water?

Gradual decline of ecosystem health Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when seasonal conditions are perfect for mating among certain fish?

Specific fish lay eggs for spawning Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of water temperature changes?

Die off of organisms that are not fit Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is triggered when winters become too cold for certain birds?

Migration to warmer climates Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a significant change in precipitation rates have on aquatics?

Leads to washout of aquatic plant life Signup and view all the answers

How does acidification affect coral populations?

Causes bleaching and habitat loss Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit 4: Disruption & Homeostasis of Aquatic Communities

This unit covers the disruption and homeostasis of aquatic communities.
The content is relevant to Texas Aquatic Science courses (1AB, 2E-J, 3ABDEF, 4B, & 11B).

4B: Positive & Negative Feedback Cycles

Positive Feedback Cycles

Positive feedback cycles respond to changes by increasing the initial change.
Example: Eutrophication - pollutants from runoff increase algal blooms.
Algal blooms block sunlight, hindering photosynthesis in producers, impacting the aquatic food chain.
Invasive species thrive in new ecosystems, outcompeting native organisms for resources.

Negative Feedback Cycles

Negative feedback cycles counteract changes to stabilize conditions.
Example: Carrying capacity - average population sizes are limited by environmental factors (food, water, shelter, mates).
Community dynamics - how members of an aquatic community interact and adapt over time.

4B: Cause & Effect

Too much rain: Leads to flooding (water level exceeding capacity).
Not enough rain: Leads to drought (water loss from soil and water bodies).
Increased ocean temperature & pollution: Coral reefs die off, and ocean producers decline (Acidification).
Zebra mussels introduced: Exponential growth in their population.
Polluted water: Ecosystem degradation (dead zones).
Water temperature change: Organism death and habitat changes.
Pollution introduction: Increased algal blooms (eutrophication), threatening other species.
Severe winters: Bird migration.
Ideal mating conditions: Spawning migrations in specific fish species.

11B: Factors Affecting Aquatic Population Cycles

Precipitation and Evaporation Rates

Precipitation amount affects aquatic plant life.
Evaporation rate, influenced by global warming, impacts lake size.

Acidification

Increased pollution and ocean warming harm coral populations.
Acidification causes coral bleaching, impacting habitat and ocean food chains.

Exponential Growth

Invasive species (e.g., apple snail, zebra mussels) thrive in new environments, due to lack of predators.
Water scarcity due to growing human population further affects aquatic ecosystems.

Dead Zones

Eutrophication causes low oxygen (hypoxic) zones, harming life in aquatic ecosystems (e.g., Gulf Dead Zone, Baltic Sea, Lake Erie).

Water Temperature

Global warming increases water temperature, melts ice caps, alters pH, and increases evaporation rates.
Impacts aquatic organism metabolic rates.

Pollution

Point and non-point source pollution (sewage, runoff) degrade water quality and damage aquatic food chains.
Pollution leads to eutrophication creating dead zones.

Seasons

Currents, weather patterns, upwelling, and migration patterns alter aquatic ecosystems in response to seasons.

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Description

Explore the dynamics of aquatic communities through the lens of feedback cycles and homeostasis. This quiz focuses on positive and negative feedback mechanisms, their impact on ecosystems, and specific examples like eutrophication. Perfect for students studying Texas Aquatic Science courses.