Eutrophication
Definition
Eutrophication is the excessive growth of algae and other plants due to an increase in nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) in a body of water, leading to harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems.
Analogy
Think about adding too much fertilizer to your garden. The plants may grow rapidly at first, but eventually, they become overcrowded and start competing for resources. Similarly, eutrophication causes an overgrowth of plants that disrupts the balance within aquatic ecosystems.
Related terms
Algal Bloom: An algal bloom occurs when there is a rapid increase in the population density of algae due to eutrophication.
Nutrient Runoff: Nutrient runoff refers to excess nutrients from fertilizers or animal waste entering bodies of water through surface runoff or groundwater flow, contributing to eutrophication.
Trophic Cascade: A trophic cascade happens when changes at one trophic level (e.g., excessive algae growth) affect multiple other trophic levels in an ecosystem.
"Eutrophication" appears in:
Study guides (4)
Additional resources (2)
Practice Questions (16)
- How does phosphate contribute to eutrophication?
- What is eutrophication?
- What is a primary cause of eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems?
- What is the main effect of eutrophication on aquatic ecosystems?
- What are the primary nutrients that contribute to eutrophication?
- What is one negative impact of eutrophication on aquatic ecosystems?
- What is a potential consequence of eutrophication in freshwater bodies?
- How does eutrophication impact the food chain in aquatic ecosystems?
- What is a potential solution to mitigate eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems?
- What is a consequence of eutrophication on water quality?
- What is the process by which eutrophication leads to oxygen depletion in aquatic ecosystems?
- What is the impact of eutrophication on estuaries and coastal areas?
- What is one method for preventing or reducing eutrophication in freshwater lakes?
- What is the role of phytoplankton in eutrophication?
- What is the impact of eutrophication on fish and other aquatic organisms?
- How does eutrophication affect the pH of aquatic ecosystems?
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