In general, the greater the clarity of a lake, the more light will be available
ID: 37218 • Letter: I
Question
In general, the greater the clarity of a lake, the more light will be available to photoautotrophs. Suppose that a dramatic increase in algal growth occurs. Which of the following may be a possible immediate effect of this? A. There will be a decrease in the number of autotrophs due to a decrease in nutrient availability. B. There will be an increase in the number of autotrophs due to an increase in oxygen production. C. The clarity of the lake will decrease. D. More nitrogen will be introduced into the lake. In general, the greater the clarity of a lake, the more light will be available to photoautotrophs. Suppose that a dramatic increase in algal growth occurs. Which of the following may be a possible immediate effect of this? A. There will be a decrease in the number of autotrophs due to a decrease in nutrient availability. B. There will be an increase in the number of autotrophs due to an increase in oxygen production. C. The clarity of the lake will decrease. D. More nitrogen will be introduced into the lake.Explanation / Answer
The immediate effect of the increased algal population is that (C) the clarity of the lake will decrease.
Increase in algal population itself means the number incresed. Hence, the option (a) does not apply. An increase in algal population decreases the dissolved oxygen since oxygen is utilized during respiration. The increased population does not introduce nitorgen into the lake immediately.