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Streams And Rivers

Wisdom White avatar Wisdom White
25 July 2022
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10 test answers

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question
Explain how the conversion of wetlands to farmland has impacted streams and rivers.
answer
Wetland reduction has caused a decrease in the absorption zones for excess water. If the excess water cannot be absorbed by the soil, it increases the incidence and magnitude of flooding.
question
Where is light penetration in a river or stream likely to be lowest? a. the source b. the mouth c. the middle portion d. none of the above
answer
b. the mouth
question
How do streams conserve biodiversity? a. they connect habitats b. they are confined by a bank and a bed c. they inhibit fish migration d. all of the above
answer
a. they connect habitats
question
Which of the following does not contribute to water pollution? a. forestry b. industry c. agriculture d. none of the above
answer
d. none of the above
question
Riparian foliage _______. a. provides shade and shelter b. increases photosynthesis of aquatic plants c. limits the organic matter present in rivers and streams d. all of the above
answer
a. provides shade and shelter
question
How is water introduced into rivers and streams?
answer
Water can be introduced into rivers and streams through surface runoff, springs, groundwater discharge, melting ice and snow, and precipitation.
question
Explain why the middle sections of rivers have the greatest biodiversity.
answer
The greatest biodiversity occurs in the middle sections of rivers, because the factors affecting life in rivers are optimal there. At the mouth of rivers, the water is murkier, which makes it more difficult for plant life to thrive. The oxygen content of rivers is too low at the mouth to sustain great biodiversity. The water at the source of the river has high oxygen content, but the width and depth are typically less than they are in the middle sections. The middle sections have sufficient oxygen levels, moderate temperatures, and adequate access to sunlight.
question
Which of the following is not a characteristic of the source of rivers and streams? a. high oxygen levels b. freshwater fish c. cooler temperatures d. murky waters
answer
d. murky waters
question
Compare the characteristics of rivers and streams.
answer
Rivers and streams are flowing bodies of water. In the scientific community, a stream is any flowing body of water. In some countries, streams are defined by their size. For example, in the United States, a stream is a flowing body of water that is less than 60 feet wide. Other than size, rivers and streams have few differences. They are both an important part of the water cycle, have a current, and flow into another body of water.
question
Explain how current and oxygen content affect the biodiversity of streams and rivers.
answer
The current determines where organisms are located. In rivers or streams with a fast current, organisms that have the means to anchor themselves will be more likely to thrive. Swimming against a current requires a great deal of energy, so organisms will tend to live toward the bottom of rivers and streams. Oxygen content is an important factor in where organisms will be located as well. Oxygen levels are higher at the source of rivers and streams, so organisms that require higher levels of oxygen will be found there. Organisms that require lower levels of oxygen will be found nearer the mouth.