Imagine that a deep temperate zone lake did not turn over during the spring and fall seasons. Based on the physical and biological properties of limnetic ecosystems, what would be the difference from normal seasonal turnover?
A) The lake would fail to freeze over in winter.
B) An algal bloom of algae would result every spring.
C) Lakes would suffer a nutrient depletion in surface layers.
D) The pH of the lake would become increasingly alkaline.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During seasonal turnover, nutrients from the bottom of the lake are brought up to the surface, where they can support the growth of phytoplankton. If the lake did not undergo turnover, nutrients would become depleted in surface layers, leading to decreased production and changes in the species composition of the limnetic ecosystem. The other options are not necessarily related to the lack of turnover.

Imagine That a Deep Temperate Zone Lake Did Not Turn