Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best characterizes the benthic zone of a lake?
A
It is the zone with the highest concentration of phytoplankton.
B
It is the bottom layer of the lake, often rich in nutrients.
C
It is the region where water temperature is the warmest.
D
It is the area with the highest light penetration.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of the benthic zone: The benthic zone is the ecological region at the lowest level of a body of water, such as a lake, including the sediment surface and some sub-surface layers.
Consider the characteristics of the benthic zone: It is typically rich in nutrients due to the accumulation of organic matter and sediments.
Evaluate the options given: The benthic zone is not characterized by high concentrations of phytoplankton, warm water temperatures, or high light penetration.
Identify the correct characterization: The benthic zone is best described as the bottom layer of the lake, often rich in nutrients.
Conclude by understanding why the other options are incorrect: Phytoplankton are more abundant in the photic zone where light penetration is highest, and warmer temperatures are usually found in the upper layers of the lake.