Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

What results from the temperature or pH in an aquatic system being significantly altered?

1. Increased immigration

2. Reduced oxygen levels

3. Stabilized population

4. Increased biodiversity

The correct answer is: Reduced oxygen levels

In aquatic ecosystems, temperature and pH are critical factors that influence the overall health and function of the environment. When either of these parameters is significantly altered, it can lead to a decline in oxygen levels. Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen than cooler water, which can result in reduced oxygen availability for aquatic organisms like fish and invertebrates. Additionally, changes in pH can affect the solubility of oxygen and other important chemical compounds, further contributing to decreased oxygen levels. Reduced oxygen can have profound effects on aquatic life, leading to stress or mortality among species that are sensitive to oxygen levels. This situation can disrupt the entire ecosystem, affecting food webs and species interactions. Consequently, maintaining stable temperature and pH conditions is essential for sustaining healthy aquatic communities, and significant alterations to these factors can create stress that leads to reduced biodiversity, as only those species that can adapt to the changes will survive.