Download LESSON//Streams and Rivers Guide and more Quizzes Earth Sciences in PDF only on Docsity!
Explain how the conversion of wetlands to farmland has impacted streams and rivers.
Wetland reduction has caused a decrease in the absorption zones for excess water. If the excess water cannot be absorbed by the soil, it increases the incidence and magnitude of flooding.
Where is light penetration in a river or stream likely to be lowest? a. the source b. the mouth c. the middle portion d. none of the above
b. the mouth
How do streams conserve biodiversity? a. they connect habitats b. they are confined by a bank and a bed c. they inhibit fish migration d. all of the above
a. they connect habitats
Which of the following does not contribute to water pollution? a. forestry b. industry c. agriculture d. none of the above
d. none of the above
Riparian foliage _______. a. provides shade and shelter b. increases photosynthesis of aquatic plants c. limits the organic matter present in rivers and streams d. all of the above
a. provides shade and shelter
How is water introduced into rivers and streams? Water can be introduced into rivers and streams through surface runoff, springs, groundwater discharge, melting ice and snow, and precipitation.
Explain why the middle sections of rivers have the greatest biodiversity.
The greatest biodiversity occurs in the middle sections of rivers, because the factors affecting life in rivers are optimal there. At the mouth of rivers, the water is murkier, which makes it more difficult for plant life to thrive. The oxygen content of rivers is too low at the mouth to sustain great biodiversity. The water at the source of the river has high oxygen content, but the width and depth are typically less than they are in the middle sections. The middle sections have sufficient oxygen levels, moderate temperatures, and adequate access to sunlight.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of the source of rivers and streams? a. high oxygen levels b. freshwater fish c. cooler temperatures d. murky waters
d. murky waters
Compare the characteristics of rivers and streams. Rivers and streams are flowing bodies of water. In the scientific community, a stream is any flowing body of water. In some countries, streams are defined by their size. For example, in the United States, a stream is a flowing body of water that is less than 60 feet wide. Other than size, rivers and streams have few differences. They are both an important part of the water cycle, have a current, and flow into another body of water.
