Two Small, Poorly Drained Lakes Lie Close to Each Other

question 21

Multiple Choice

Two small, poorly drained lakes lie close to each other in a northern forest. The basins of both lakes are composed of the same geologic substratum. One lake is surrounded by a dense Sphagnum mat; the other is not. Compared to the pond with Sphagnum, the pond lacking the moss mat should have ________.

• A) lower numbers of bacteria
• B) reduced rates of decomposition
• C) reduced oxygen content
• D) water with a higher pH

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