Two Small, Poorly Drained Lakes Lie Close to Each Other

question 22

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) less-acidic water.