APES Study Guide- Ch.6: Aquatic Ecology
Objectives:
By the end of this section, you should be able to:
 Identify and describe freshwater and saltwater life zones
 Explain the ecological and economic importance of coastal estuaries, wetlands and coral reefs
 Explain the ecological and economic importance of freshwater systems
 Identify the components of a watershed
 Describe human impacts on freshwater and saltwater systems
Textbook References:
Miller, Living in the Environment, 15th edition: Chapter 6
Important Vocabulary and Concepts: Write a brief definition for each word.
Polyps
Zooxanthellae
overturns
Mangroves
Watershed
Eutrophic vs. oligotrophic vs. mesotrophic
lakes
phytoplankton vs. zooplankton vs. ultraplankton Cultural Eutrophication
Nekton
Estuary
Benthos
Intertidal zone
Ocean acidification
Decomposers
Coastal zone vs. open sea
Barrier islands
Review Questions: Must answer in complete sentences.
1. Summarize the distribution of light, nutrients, and temperature in different aquatic zones: coastal,
euphotic, bathyal, abyssal.
2. Describe 3 ecological services provided by oceans.
3. What are 3 limiting factors in aquatic zones?
4. Describe 3 threats or stresses to coral reefs.
5. Describe 3 ecological services performed by wetlands.
6. Describe how coastal and inland wetlands have been degraded. (and for what reasons)
7. Describe the four zones of a lake. (Littoral, Limnetic, profundal, benthic)
8. Describe thermal stratification and a turnover in a lake.
9. Define watershed.
10. List and distinguish the three zones of a river system.
Math Problems:
1. Assess the percent composition of mayflies if the number of mayflies is 45 and the total number of
organisms is 90.
2. EPT/midge ratio formula: total number of EPT individuals/ total number of midge individuals
a. In water sample #1, the total number of EPT is 100 and midge is 10. What is the EPT/midge
ratio?
b. In water sample #2, the total number of EPT is 40 and midge is 10. What is the EPT/midge ratio?
c. EPT are three types of intolerant organisms. This means they are sensitive to changes in their
environment. (not tolerant of changes) Based on the EPT to midge ratio, which water sample has
relatively better water quality and why?