Question

honors biology sections 34.1 - 34.5 review question (open ended)
name: dylan w.
the largest estuary in the united states is the chesapeake bay, which extends through six states, including maryland, virginia, and pennsylvania. the bay is one of the most productive natural areas in the world. it’s home to thousands of plants and animals, including many commercially important species.
the water of the bay is relatively shallow. many areas are no more than 10 feet deep, with an average depth of 30 feet. light penetrates the shallow water and supports the submerged plants that provide food and shelter for the many species living in the bay ecosystem. however, like many estuaries, the bay receives large amounts of fertilizer runoff from farms, lawns, and wastewater treatment facilities.

1. describe the effect of the fertilizer on an organism, population, community, ecosystem and the biosphere in this scenario.
2. using what you know about climates, describe how the location (latitude of this area) effects the weather and populations in this area.
3. compare and contrast the use of fertilizer in the bay area with that of the ddt in rachel carson’s work.

Explanation:

1. Fertilizer can cause algal blooms, harming organisms. It affects population - growth or decline. Communities may shift. Ecosystems can be disrupted. On a biosphere scale, nutrient imbalances occur.
2. The mid - latitude location of Chesapeake Bay gives a temperate climate, influencing weather and species' distribution.
3. Fertilizer runoff causes eutrophication. DDT was a persistent pesticide. Both harm ecosystems but via different mechanisms.

Answer:

1. See above explanation for effects on organism, population, community, ecosystem and biosphere.
2. Mid - latitude leads to temperate climate affecting weather and populations.
3. Fertilizer causes eutrophication; DDT was a persistent pesticide with different harm mechanisms.