Exam 24: Aquatic Ecosystems

Describe three different processes that can lead to the formation of a lake or pond.

The general term for flowing bodies of water is

The dominant autotrophs of the open water are

The benthic community of an ocean, with the exception of hydrothermal vents, is best described as

In rivers and streams, the invertebrates that scrape algae off of rocks are referred to as shredders.

In the ocean, swimming organisms that can move at will in the water column are referred to as

A(n)________ is a ring of coral reefs and islands surrounding a lagoon and are formed when a volcanic mountain subsides beneath the surface.

Describe the differences between eutrophic and oligotrophic lakes. What conditions lead to the natural formation of each?

Because the thermocline is permanent in tropical oceans, little vertical mixing occurs, resulting in low productivity.

In lakes and ponds, the depth at which respiration balances photosynthesis is referred to as the ________ depth of light.

Based on their feeding behaviour, describe three major groups of invertebrates that inhabit flowing water.

In rivers and streams, decomposition takes place mostly in riffles.

Describe the physical conditions to which organisms living in an estuary must be adapted.

As a stream flows down its course, it generally becomes warmer and slower.

In the ocean, phytoplankton are most abundant in the