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Multiple Choice
In which of the following aquatic ecosystems are both littoral and benthic zones most likely found?
A
Estuaries
B
Open ocean
C
Coral reefs
D
Freshwater lakes
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the definitions of littoral and benthic zones. The littoral zone is the part of a water body closest to the shore, where sunlight penetrates all the way to the sediment allowing aquatic plants to grow. The benthic zone is the lowest level of a body of water, including the sediment surface and some sub-surface layers.
Consider the characteristics of each aquatic ecosystem option provided: Estuaries, Open ocean, Coral reefs, and Freshwater lakes.
Estuaries are coastal areas where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean. They typically have littoral zones but may not have distinct benthic zones as they are influenced by tidal movements.
The open ocean is vast and deep, with a benthic zone at the ocean floor, but it lacks a littoral zone because it is far from the shore.
Freshwater lakes have both littoral zones, where sunlight supports plant life near the shore, and benthic zones at the bottom of the lake, making them the most likely ecosystem to contain both zones.