SCIENCE MIDTERM Topics 1 and 2

Scientific Method

Observation, Research, Hypothesis, Experiment, Data, Analysis, Conclusion.

What is science?

The study of the natural world through observation and experimentation to understand how it works and to explain phenomena.

What is a hypothesis?

An educated guess to guide research in an experiment

What is a prediction in an experiment?

The expected results from the test based on your hypothesis

What is the Lab Report format?

Introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion.

What is the name of the watershed where UMBC is located?

Herbert Run Watershed

How does temperature affect Dissolved Oxygen levels? How does this affect aquatic life?

Temperature increases, DO decreases. Leads to stress or death in aquatic organisms that require higher levels of oxygen for survival.

How does water temperature affect eutrophication?

Higher water temperature accelerates nutrient release, promoting algal blooms and decreasing oxygen levels.

What is consider an acidic pH level?

pH below 7

What is considered a basic pH level?

pH above 7

When pH decreases…

Acidity increases

Why is pH important for aquatic ecosystems?

A narrow pH range is required for growth and the chemical reactions inside organisms

What is dissolved oxygen and why is it important?

How much oxygen dissolved in the water. It allows organisms to respirate and is critical for their survival

What does low DO cause?

death and failure of eggs

What are total nitrates and phosphates?

Nutrients found in water that are essential for plant growth, but too much causes Eutrophication and harmful algal blooms.

What is eutrophication and how is it harmful?

Algae grows excessively because of nutrients, Oxygen is rapidly consumed by algae. when they die, the bacteria they release decomposes the oxygen.

Conductivity

• Ability to conduct a current

• Higher dissolved ions, higher conductivity

• Higher conductivity, higher contaminants

Turbidity

• Water clarity

• Particles in water absorb sunlight, increase temperature

• Blocks temperature from reaching other plants

Fecal coliform

Indicates water with fecal material. Depletes oxygen and increases disease risk