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Chapter 19: Problem 26

Summarize the process of succession in a body of water. What is meant by cultural eutrophication?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Succession in a water body is the sequential process of change where more complex organisms gradually come to dominate the community, often evolving from an oligotrophic to a eutrophic stage over time. Cultural eutrophication is the artificial acceleration of this process due to human-induced nutrient pollution, which can result in destructive algal blooms and dead zones.

Step by step solution

01

Explanation of Succession in a Water Body

Ecological succession is the process of change in the structural composition of an ecological community over time. In a body of water, this may start with a pioneer species (often bacteria and algae) colonizing the water. These organisms change the environment in some way, which allows other species to survive and reproduce. Gradually, complex organisms may come to dominate the community.
02

Stages of Succession in a Water Body

Generally, there are three distinct stages of succession in a water body: oligotrophic stage (low nutrient levels, high oxygen levels, low algal growth), a mesotrophic stage (moderate nutrient levels), and a eutrophic stage (high nutrient levels, low oxygen levels with high algal growth). Each stage is characterized by particular types of plant and animal life. Over time, the water body may even transition into a terrestrial habitat, such as a swamp or forest, in a process known as hydrosere.
03

Explanation of Cultural Eutrophication

Cultural eutrophication is a man-induced increase in nutrient levels in a water body, often due to inputs of nitrogen or phosphorus from agricultural runoff or sewage discharge. This process accelerates the natural eutrophication process and can result in algal blooms and subsequent dead zones, where very low oxygen levels cause other aquatic life to die off.

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