The Process by Which a Lake Ecosystem Is Altered by Eutrophication

question 74

Multiple Choice

The process by which a lake ecosystem is altered by eutrophication involves several stages. Which of the following represents the correct ordering of stages in the chain of causation?

• A) Algal populations die off; algal blooms occur; oxygen levels drop in deeper water; respiratory demand from decomposers increases; phosphorus input from sewage and agricultural runoff increases
• B) Oxygen levels drop in deeper water; phosphorus input from sewage and agricultural runoff increases; respiratory demand from decomposers increases; algal blooms occur; algal populations die off
• C) Phosphorus input from sewage and agricultural runoff increases; algal blooms occur; algal populations die off; respiratory demand from decomposers increases; oxygen levels drop in deeper water
• D) Phosphorus input from sewage and agricultural runoff increases; algal blooms occur; oxygen levels drop in deeper water; respiratory demand from decomposers increases; algal populations die off
• E) Phosphorus input from sewage and agricultural runoff increases; respiratory demand from decomposers increases; oxygen levels drop in deeper water; algal blooms occur; algal populations die off

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Definitions:

Orderly Development

The concept that human growth and development follows a predictable, sequential pattern, typically observed from infancy through adulthood.

Biological Growth

The process of physical development and increase in size, which occurs in living organisms through cell division and differentiation.

Conservation

In psychology, the understanding that certain properties of objects or substances remain the same even when their appearance changes, a concept developed by Jean Piaget.

Object Permanence

The comprehension that objects remain in place even when they're not visible, audible, or detectable in any sensory manner.