Aquatics Tests
Several years of tests are available:
1. If a farmer came to you and asked you to identify a thick matt
of something that looked like green wet wool covering the entire surface
of his farm pond, what would you tell him it was? (see photo provided)
A. Duckweed or Lemna sp.
B. Water meal or Wolffia sp.
C. Blue Green algae or Lyngbya sp.
D. Coontail or Ceratophyllum sp.
E. Pond Scum or Spirogyra sp.
2. Use the kits provided to measure Orthophosphate and record the
results in proper units. (See question card for answer selections)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
3. Which of the macroinvertebrates located on the table are considered
Sensitive Species according to Ohio's Stream Quality Measurement (SQM)
pollution tolerance index (PTI)? (See question card for answer selections)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
4. Observe the pond before you. What is the most prevalent wetland
plant? (See question card for answer selections)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
5. Use the Michigan Seagrant Dichotomous Key to Great Lakes Fish Families
Key provided to identify the fish provided. (See question card for answer
selections)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
6. Observe the three topographic maps provided. Each map is the same
USGS Quadrangle but each has the watershed map for a stream drawn differently.
Which map shows the correct watershed boundaries for the stream indicated?
(Choose letter on map)
A.
B.
C.
7. What impact does water temperature have on stream water quality?
A. Sediment stays in suspension longer in colder water
B. Heat decreases the capability of water to hold dissolved oxygen
C. High nutrient levels cause excessive algal blooms
D. Heavy metal toxicity increases in colder water
E. Warm water decreases fecal coliform levels
8. Which of the following insect orders have aquatic larvae in their
lifecycle?
A. Odonata
B. Crustacea
C. Hemiptera
D. Diptera
E. Ephemeroptera
9. There is a famous dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico where dissolved
oxygen concentrations are nearly zero. What do scientists believe is causing
the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico?
A. Sediment
B. Toxic algae
C. High levels of nitrates
D. Heavy metals
E. Cryptosporidium
10. Which of the following characteristics best describe a stable
and healthy riparian zone?
A. 30-foot wide zone with steep slopes, dense Honeysuckle, and undercut
banks
B. 100-foot wide zone with gentle slopes, dense stands of Johnson grass,
and a limestone retaining wall
C. 3-foot wide zone with gentle slope, intermittent large trees with grass
underneath, and an aquatic vegetation edged stream bank
D. 30-foot wide zone with steep slopes, undisturbed and permeable soils,
and dense native vegetation
E. 100-foot wide zone densely vegetated with shrubs and lined with rip
rap
11. Shoals soil formed in Alluvium. What phrase best describes Alluvium
material?
A. Material that has moved from upslope
B. Material that weathered in place
C. Water deposited material
D. Wind blown silt material
12. Soil texture refers to the relative proportions of three constituents.
Which of the following is not used in the definition of texture?
A. Sand
B. Silt
C. Clay
D. Loam
13. One of the common parent materials found in Ohio is Loess. What
phrase best describes Loess?
A. Material that has moved from upslope
B. Material that weathered in place
C. Water deposited material
D. Wind blown silt material
14. Bird-watching is a popular form of wildlife recreation. Nest boxes
are one way people can provide animals a place to live and improve the
chances of observing birds in their backyards. What species "is not
likely" to use a nest box?
A. Eastern Bluebird
B. House Wren
C. American Robin
D. Tree Swallow
15. Ohio has how many species and subspecies of snakes?
A. 44
B. 11
C. 21
D. 32
16. Beaver currently occur on the Voice of America area. Although
very essential in the creation of natural wetlands, they can become problematic.
What would be a legal method of controlling the beaver population here?
A. Trap them during the legal trapping season in Ohio
B. Shoot them at any time
C. Trap them at any time
D. Shoot them during the legal hunting season for Ohio furbearers
17. Which race of Canada goose is most commonly seen in Ohio?
A. Resident
B. Interior
C. Common
D. Snow
18. What is DBH?
A. Diameter at Breast Height
B. Diagnosing Borer Hole
C. Dogwood Buckeye Hickory (Acronym for opposite branching trees)
D. Diameter of bore hole
19. Which of these species is flood tolerant?
A. White oak
B. Black Walnut
C. Cottonwood
D. Sugar maple
20. Bioretention areas enhance water quality and also provide other
benefits such as shade and wind breaks, noise absorption, and ____.
A. Albedo reduction
B. Income when trees are harvested
C. Drinking water
D. No other benefit
21. The Doyle rule ____ the volume of trees in the smaller diameter
classes.
A. over estimates
B. under estimates
C. accurately estimates
22. Many people don't realize that nonpoint source pollution is the
majority of water contamination. Which of the following is NOT an example
of nonpoint pollution?
A. Industrial plant pipe discharge
B. Parking lot runoff.
C. Lawn fertilizers
D. Washing car oil and/or fluids down storm drains.
23. The Safe Drinking Water Act is the most instrumental law in regulating
water safety. What method does it use to do this?
A. Requiring selected households to monitor their water.
B. Banning any unsafe substance.
C. Requiring public utilities to collect and monitor water samples on
a regular basis.
D. Enhancing rules and equipment in our water plants for better filtration.
24. MCL is an important acronym in the Safe Drinking Water Act. What
does it stand for?
A. Maximum Carbon Level
B. Minimum Contaminant Level
C. Maximum Contaminant Level
D. Minimum Charge Level
25. In the Groundwater Consortium well monitoring program, how often
are wells sampled?
A. Semi-annually
B. Annually
C. Monthly
D. Weekly
1. Fish have evolved to occupy many types of habitats including wetlands, ponds, and rivers. Of the 4 fish species present, which would you typically not find in the type of environment in front of you?
A. Fish A
B. Fish B
C. Fish C
D. Fish D
2. Using the key provided, identify the macroinvertebrate labeled E.
A. Odonata
B. Plecoptera
C. Diptera
D. Coleoptera
3. Of the species listed, which would typically not be found in this habitat here at East Liberty Honda plant?
A. Odonata
B. Plecoptera
C. Diptera
D. Coleoptera
4. As a watershed is developed from agriculture/forest to more urban/industrial, what is the most significant impact to the streams and rivers?
A. Greater amount of impervious surfaces resulting in larger flood events
B. More debris in the water resulting in more flooding conditions
C. More drainage tile in the watershed, resulting in greater flood events
D. Less surface runoff because urban environments slow water flow
5. What is wetland delineation?
A. Creating a wetland at a nearby site to compensate for the destruction
of an
existing wetland
B. Following certain criteria to mark the boundaries of a wetland
C. Planting vegetation that is known to grow in wet environments to enhance
an
existing wetland
D. Removing a drain tile from an agricultural field in order to flood
the field and
restore a wetland environment
6. Of the four variables listed below, which one is NOT used in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland manual used to define a site as a wetland?
A. Topography
B. Vegetation type
C. Hydrology
D. Soil type
7. To be defined as a "marsh" the site must always have standing water and soft stemmed vegetation.
A. True
B. False
8. Limnologists and ecologists use different tools to sample various habitats. Identify the tool marked F.
A. Surber sampler
B. Corer
C. Kemmerer water sampler
D. Eckman Dredge
9. What is the tool labeled F commonly used for?
A. Obtaining water samples from deep in the water column
B. Quantifying macroinvertebrates in a stream
C. Obtaining benthic macroinvertebrates in the sediment of a lake or wetland
D. Taking sediment samples from deep within the substrate to look at different
horizons
10. Fish inhabit different niches in the aquatic environment. Some fish have special adaptations that help them to survive in certain habitats. What adaptation does a Long Nose Gar have to enable it to survive in a wetland habitat that often has fluctuating water levels?
A. A specialized swim bladder that allows it to breathe air
B. Thick scales that help it survive attacks from birds
C. A slender body that allows it to blend in with the thick aquatic vegetation
D. A long beak that helps it to reach hard to catch prey
11. Common Carp are considered nuisance species in wetland environments because of their feeding and spawning habits that can uproot vegetation. Of the items listed below, which is not a reason they can become overabundant and a problem for other species and the habitat?
A. Carp have the ability to live in degraded water
B. Carp can grow very large, therefore avoiding predation
C. Carp are a bottom feeder
D. Carp have high fecundity (large amount of eggs for one female)
12. The city of Marysville would like to build a new reservoir to provide drinking water for new developments. They are worried about excess nutrients from agricultural fields and urban lawns harming the water supply and increasing treatment costs. What is one way they might mitigate damage from excess nutrients in the watershed?
A. Increase the size and quantity of riparian buffer strips within the
watershed
B. Build a retention pond near the reservoir
C. Require the new developments to install pervious blacktop
D. Do nothing, the reservoir will act as a wetland and clean the water
13. Trout are often limited by water temperature. What is the main reason for this?
A. Trout are very fatty and warm water makes them lethargic
B. Trout eat insects that are only available in cold water
C. Trout evolved in the north where it is always cold
D. Trout need high oxygen content and cold water contains more oxygen
than
warm water
14. Urbanization can cause loss of fish habitat within a stream; therefore fish that require a specific niche are more likely to survive than a generalist species.
A. True
B. False
15. Fish have evolved to consume different organisms within a certain environment. The fish in picture labeled G has a very large mouth, with very fine gill rakers. What does this fish eat?
A. Fish
B. Plankton
C. Vegetation
D. Omnivore
16. Insect larvae occupy many different ecosystems and habitats; however
this family of aquatic insects occupies the most diverse set of habitats
including rivers, lakes, reservoirs and even bird baths.
A. Collembola (Spring Tail)
B. Megoloptera (Dobson and Alderflies)
C. Neuroptera (Spongillaflies)
D. Diptera (True Flies)
17. This wetland experiences seasonal wetness including standing water for several months out of the year, what color do you expect the majority of the mineral soil to be under this wetland?
A. Gray
B. Brown
C. Red
D. Green
18. This wetland was created about 20 years ago. As it ages the surface horizon will likely become much darker, typically black. What is the source of the dark surface horizon?
A. Transfer of carbon from below the wetland
B. Accumulation of decaying organic matter
C. Oxidation of iron minerals
D. Accumulation of contaminants filtered out by the wetland
19. Beaver are a non-native species to Ohio, introduced from the northeast in the early 1700's to provide another species for the fur trade.
A. True
B. False
20. There are 5 major soil forming factors. Which organism listed below has the deepest impact on hydric soil development through its daily activities?
A. Aquatic Insects
B. Crayfish
C. Fish
D. Frogs
21. There is a mound of sticks and reeds out in the middle of the wetland above the waterline, what is it? (If there is not one in the wetland identify the mound in the picture)
A. Beaver dam
B. Goose nest
C. Great blue heron nest
D. Muskrat hut
22. Of the tree species listed, which would be most likely found near a stream or pond in central Ohio?
A. Eastern Cottonwood
B. Red Oak
C. American Beech
D. White Ash
23. Trees are often removed from small streams in order to straighten and ditch the waterway to aid in drainage for agriculture. In addition to shade and temperature regulation, what is a vital role tree canopies play in the overall health of small streams?
A. Trees act as windbreaks, preserving habitat within the stream
B. Tree foliage provides a valuable food source to the aquatic invertebrates
in the
stream, starting the food chain
C. Trees provide oxygen to the stream
D. Tree roots provide habitat for species like catfish
24. Water clarity can indicate problems associated with excess nutrients or soil erosion. What tool do biologists use to check water clarity?
A. Eckman Dredge
B. Flow Meter
C. Secchi Disk
D. Meter Stick
25. The pond across the field consists of a shallow transitional zone called the littoral zone and a deeper open water area called the pelagic zone. The littoral zone has higher species richness than the pelagic zone.
A. True
B. False
1. (Water sample with lots of algae: very green) The lake from which this water sample was taken can be classified as:
A. ultra-oligotrophic
B. oligotrophic
C. mesotrophic
D. eutrophic
2. The strip of emergent vegetation surrounding Elk Lake is important because:
A. It has aesthetic value.
B. It absorbs nutrients and pollutants before they enter the water.
C. It keeps predatory animals out of the lake.
D. All of the above.
3. (fathead minnow) The diet of this Elk Lake fish consists mostly of:
A. Plants
B. Water
C. Benthos
D. Plankton
4. Which of the following are threats to freshwater fisheries worldwide?
A. Best Management Practices
B. Mesotrophication
C. Habitat Alteration
D. All of the above
5. What is the purpose of artificial aeration in Elk Lake?
A. to destratify the lake
B. to add dissolved oxygen to the water
C. to decrease stress on fish
D. all of the above
6. An increase in the amount of impervious surfaces in the Elk Lake watershed could lead to which of the following in a body of water:
A.increased total dissolved solids (TDS)
B. increased storm water runoff
C. increased nutrient loading
D. all of the above
7. The leading cause of non-point source aquatic pollutants are:
A. agricultural and urban runoff<
B. wastewater treatment plants
C. industrial runoff
D. none of the above
8. In freshwater ecosystems, the limiting nutrient is:
A. nitrogen
B. carbon
C. iron
D. phosphorous
9. A clear water phase occurs in temperate freshwater lakes in early summer when:
A. Sediment turbidity levels are low<
B. Algae biomass is low
C. Aquatic plant growth is high
D. All of the above
10. In a stratified lake, the water below the hypolimnion is:
A. denser than the water above
B. colder than the water above<
C. less mixed than the water above
D. all of the above
11. In river or stream ecosystems like the Little Miami river, which of the following assemblages of fish would indicate the best water quality:
A. green sunfish, common carp, creek chub
B. rainbow darter, stonecat madtom, walleye
C. channel catfish, creek chub,
D. freshwater drum, channel catfish,
12. Which of the following management practices would be best to decrease sediment and nutrient loading in Elk Lake:
A. installation of a wetland upstream of Elk Lake
B. remove all vegetation surrounding the lake
C. install more aerators
D. all of the above
13. Which of the following conditions in Elk Lake could be detrimental to the health of the fish community:
A. High dissolved oxygen levels
B. High ammonia levels
C. High zooplankton biomass
D. All of the above
14. Identify this macroinvertebrate:
A. Stone Fly
B. Mayfly
C. Hellgramite
D. Water Penny
15. Which of the following can be used as indicators of ecosystem health in aquatic systems:
A. fish species diversity
B. macroinvertebrate diversity
C. Secchi depths
D. all of the above
16. The trophic state of a lake or pond is most influenced by:
A. Its watershed
B. Its fish
C. Its fisherman
D. None of the above
17. (Show temperature and oxygen profile) The following information about Elk Lake shows that:
A. It is thermally stratified
B. It is nutrient limited
C. It is oligotrophic
D. All of the above
18. Allowing motor boats in Elk Lake could lead to which of the following problems:
A. Shoreline erosion
B. A decline in fish species diversity
C. A decrease in fish spawning activity
D. Eutrophication
19. Which of the following aquatic invasive species was spread by a recreational activity?
A. Eurasian watermilfoil
B. Spiny waterflea
C. Zebra mussels
D. All of the above
20. The most common aquatic pollutant is:
A. sediment
B. oil
C. trash
D. human waste
21. Forested buffers along streams are important because:
A. They provide recreational opportunities
B. They absorb nutrients before they enter the water
C. They prevent shoreline erosion
D. All of the above
22. Why are natural resource managers concerned about the impact of exotic species?
A. They have the ability to drive out native species
B. They have the ability to alter food webs
C. They can have economic impacts
D. All of the above
23. _________________ is defined as the level of yield from our natural resources that produces greatest overall long-term benefits in environmental, biological, social and economic terms.
A. maximum sustainable yield
B. optimum sustainable yield<
C. maximum yield
D. maximum economic yield
24. Identify this Elk Lake organism (Daphnia):
A. Copepod
B. Daphnia sp.
C. Phytoplankton
D. Bosmina sp.
25. Identify this fish:
A. bluegill
B. largemouth bass
C. black crappie
D. channel catfish
1. This tree
would be utilized by which wildlife species?
A. Indiana bat
B. Squirrels
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above
2. What caused
the damage on this tree?
A. A person taking multiple increment cores from this tree to determine
tree growth.
B. Yellow bellied sap sucker
C. Emerald ash borer
D. Two lined chestnut borer
3. This tree
is a green ash. Which of these is a benefit of green ash to riparian areas?
A. excess nutrient absorption
B. soil retention
C. shading for vernal pools that may be present
D. all of the above.
4. This tree
is a standing dead tree and makes good habitat for wildlife. What is another
name for a dead standing tree?
A. snag
B. log
C. course woody debris
5. Please
identify this tree?
A. American beech
B. American hornbeam
C. eastern Hophornbeam
D. serviceberry
6. Please
identify this tree?
A. red maple
B. silver maple
C. box elder
D. sugar maple
7. Why is
the tree excellent for wildlife?
A. the large nut that they produce (>1”)
B. the small nut that they produce (<1”)
C. the bark that bats can roost under
D. the fast dense growth of seedlings of this tree
8. How susceptible
is this tree to emerald ash borer?
A. not susceptible
B. susceptible if tree is stressed
C. susceptible even if tree is healthy
9. There are
over how many different hardwood tree species growing in Ohio’s woodland
forests?
A. 200
B. 100
C. 75
D. 50
10. A board
measuring 24 inches long, 24 inches wide and 1 inch thick is how many
board feet?
A. 1 board foot
B. 4 board feet
C. 48 board feet
D. 2 board feet
11. The art,
science, and practice of establishing, tending, and producing forest stands
is the definition of what forestry term?
A. Logging
B. Sustainable yield
C. Silviculture
D. None of the above
12. In forestry
what does the term DBH stand for?
A. Diameter at Biltmore Height
B. Diameter at Breast Height
C. Diagnosing Borer Head
D. Delimiting Borer Habitat
13. Which
of these tree species would be suited to plant in a riparian zone?
A. sycamore
B. black oak
C. red pine
D. white oak
14. Foresters
use the site index for trees in soil surveys all the time. What can the
site index tell a forester about a soil?
A. the soil fertility for a specific tree species
B. the slope of the soil
C. where on the slope a tree will grow
D. how often the soil floods
15. Which
of these is a sustainable fuel source?
A. coal
B. charcoal
C. oil
D. natural gas
16. What is
the purpose of a waterbar?
A. to prevent soil erosion
B. to prevent people from driving down a logging road after a timber harvest
C. to reduce stream bank erosion
17. Along
a streamside forest, which of the following silvicultural techniques should
be utilized?
A. group selection
B. single tree selection
C. shelterwood method
D. clearcutting
18. Which
of these plants produce nutritional mast for wildlife?
A. grapevine
B. honeysuckle
C. kudzu
D. Japanese knot weed
19. Forested
riparian zones are good for…
A. reducing non point source pollution
B. providing habitat for wildlife species
C. increasing dissolved oxygen content in streams
D. All of the above
20. Which
type of soil is best suited for black walnut?
A. Excessively wet
B. Poorly drained
C. Well drained
D. Excessively well drained
21. What is
an economic use for trees that were thinned out for a crop tree release?
A. firewood
B. mulch
C. secondary wood products
D. all of the above
22. Joe has
8 acres of woods. The woods mainly consists of pole size oaks, hickories,
ash and honey locust. Joe wants to perform a crop tree release in his
woods. Joe also likes to view and hunt wildlife, so he wants to maximize
wildlife opportunity in his woods. Which tree species should select against
(which trees should he cut or girdle) in performing the crop tree release?
A. oak and hickory
B. ash and hickory
C. honeylocust and ash
D. ash and oak
23. Which
of these plants would normally be associated with wetlands?
A. Thistle
B. Big Bluestem
C. Timothy
D. Cattail
E. Kentucky Bluegrass
24. In what
part of the body do channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) have poison
glands?
A. Barbels (whiskers)
B. Spines
C. Skin
D. Teeth
E. Channel Catfish have no poison glands
25. Which
energy source below is non-renewable?
A. Conventional hydro-electric
B. Biomass fuels
C. Nuclear electric power
D. Solar energy
1) Total Maximum Daily
Load (TMDL) refers to:
A. the total volume of treated wastewater that any permitted facility
is allowed to discharge in the stream in any twenty-four hour period
B. the cumulative pollutant load designated for an impaired water body
C. the amount of a particular pollutant that a water body can receive
on a daily basis without violating state water quality standards
D. the total pollutant load allowable in urban stormwater runoff
2) Ohio is currently participating in an international
debate over the export of water from the Great Lakes. What is the primary
reason that this concept is opposed?
A. states are fighting over who has the legal right to the revenue
B. prevention of foreign use
C. depletion of the freshwater supply
D. preservation of the shipping industry
3) Storm water detention basins are commonly used to protect downstream
water quality primarily because they:
A. collect accumulated litter and construction debris
B. are highly productive and absorb nutrients
C. provide both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitat
D. settle out sediment and reduce habitat damages
4) Bare construction sites without erosion or sediment
controls can lose up to 10,000 times more sediment to local streams than
prior to development. A large pulse of sediment will stress or eliminate
most in-stream inhabitants. “Best Management Practices” (BMPs) are specified
methods to minimize erosion and control off-site sediment loss. Which
of these BMPs will best prevent sediment from migrating off a construction
site?
A. phase soil disturbance with timely temporary seeding or mulch cover
B. placement of straw bales at all drainage areas on the construction
site
C. properly installed silt fences down-gradient from all disturbed soils,
plus around the site perimeter
D. installation of a sedimentation pond with a minimum holding capacity
of 67 cubic yards of storm water per acre of drainage
5) Riparian buffer strips along streams are beneficial
by protecting landscapes from flooding. Wetland areas within a buffer
system provide added benefit of filtering or retaining nutrients and sediment.
Verification of riparian wetland buffers is confirmed best through:
A. Examination of soil maps
B. On-site investigations
C. Studying soil descriptions
D. Analyzing plant populations
6) A combined sewer system refers to:
A. the intermingling of urban and rural sewer systems
B. a sewer system designed for primary treatment of sanitary waste
C. the combination of technologies used in the upgrade process of sanitary
sewers
D. a system that physically combines sewer systems carrying sanitary waste
and storm water runoff
7) The riparian zone of Tawawa Creek or any stream refers
to:
A. the area of land that influences the aquatic ecosystem by contributing
organic debris, nutrients, and sediments to the water
B. the area of land adjacent to flowing water
C. the area of land or terrestrial ecosystem that is influenced by the
water through saturation of soils, elevation of the water table, surface
flooding and deposition of sediments
D. the area of land utilized by wildlife for travel and nesting
8) Which of the following statements best applies to the
tree root system at this site on Tawawa Creek (see marker #12)?
A. this demonstrates that undercut tree roots provide poor habitat for
aquatic species
B. this demonstrates the main benefit of trees along stream banks, namely
that roots filter chemical pollution directly from the stream channel
C. this demonstrates that tree roots do a poor job of reducing streambank
erosion, and that grasses should be planted along stream banks instead
D. this demonstrates the ability of tree roots to strengthen streambank
soil and reduce streambank erosion
9) High levels of nitrogen or ammonia in a river system
will elevate the ________ of the water.
A. pH
B. temperature
C. oxygen
D. carbon
10) Adequate levels of dissolved oxygen are critical to
support aquatic life in streams. The Ohio EPA 24 hour dissolved oxygen
minimum standard for a warm water stream, such as Tawawa Creek, is:
A. 1 mg/L
B. 2 mg/L
C. 4 mg/L
D. 8 mg/L
11) The items displayed at marker #20 are hester dendies
or multiple plate water sampling devices and are used in a stream to:
A. provide a media for the growth and collection of coliform bacteria
B. create a riffle effect upstream of oxygen sampling sites
C. provide for the colonization and collection of benthic macroinvertebrates
D. determine the chemical erosion rate in waters with a high nutrient
load
12) The item displayed at marker #21 is used for what purpose?
A. host for algae growth in the assessment of those plant communities
B. attracts specific species of benthic macroinvertebrates for collection
C. identification locator for remote sensing activities in lakes
D. measure of turbidity in water
13) Excessive nutrient loading into a stream creates an
unbalanced ecosystem by increasing plant growth. The most critical threat
to fish species caused by this is:
A. depletion of oxygen in the water when the vegetation decomposes
B. dense algae growth clouding the water and creating a change in the
food web
C. dense algae growth raising the overall water temperature, critically
impacting some fish species
D. development lesions, tumors and/or eroded fins
14) What is the chief reason that woody in-stream debris,
as depicted at this site, has been greatly reduced in abundance in many
Ohio streams?
A. to improve habitat for fish and aquatic invertebrates
B. to harvest lumber for commercial products
C. to improve drainage for agricultural and residential development
D. the result of a historic decrease in the beaver population across the
state
15) The common name of the invasive plant species exhibited
at marker #30 is:
A. sweet flag
B. phragmytes
C. soft rush
D. lizard tail
16) What type of river habitat is best suited to macroinvertebrates?
A. deep, calm waters
B. shallow, sandy-bottomed areas
C. riffle areas with loose cobble or rocky bottoms
D. fast moving riffles with bedrock bottoms
17) Members of this group of aquatic insects are predatory,
both as nymphs (shown here at marker #32) and adults. What are they?
A. caddisfly
B. dragonfly
C. mayfly
D. stonefly
18) The leading cause of water quality impairment in Ohio
streams is due to:
A. industrial discharges
B. nonpoint source pollution
C. channel modification
D. introduced species
1.A gravel drainage system should be installed near the Lewisburg Log House. Where does the PCHS Master Plan recommend the gravel drainage system be installed?
a. in the yard between the house and the creek b. at the base of the house. c. along the south side of the house d. at the base of the front entrance 2. In forestry terminology -what is a buffer adjacent to a stream corridor set aside mainly for the purpose of controlling water temperature? a. filter strip b. ventilation strip c. shade strip d. sun strip 3. Which of the following tree species is both native to southwestern Ohio and commonly found along stream banks? a. American beech b. American sycamore c. Bald cypress d. Yellow birch 4. Small shallow depressions within woodlands that hold water during part of the year and are essential to some amphibians are called: a. muck pools b. breeding ponds c. spring ponds d. vernal pools 5. The ability of a soil to support wetland function depends on the presence of wetland hydrology. Which soil map unit below on this farm has the least favorable hydrology in its natural condition regarding depth and duration of saturation by water? a. BrA b. Wn c. CeB d. BsA 6. Hydric soils usually have two physical features in common, including dominantly gray colors and reddish brown mottles (iron concentrations) in the upper subsoil. Which soil below would not be hydric by these features? a. BrA b. BsA c. Wn d. WeA 7. Medway series of soils are formed on bottom lands. Which statement below is false? a. Medway soils formed in recent deposits of sediment. b. The water table is high in winter and spring on Medway soils. c. Crops can generally be harvested even though Medway soils flood. d. Medway soils have dominant gray colors in the upper B Horizon. 8.Natural debris in a stream (such as logs, rocks, and root wads) is habitat for aquatic wildlife. However, excessive debris can have a negative affect on farmland by restricting stream flow, reducing drainage, and flooding cropland. Some debris can damage manmade structures such as bridges and dams. Which statement is true about stream management? a. Always remove log jams and debris b. Remove all woody riparian vegetation to keep it out of the streams c. Develop a comprehensive stream management program that maintains an environmentally healthy stream and riparian buffer and addresses specific problems causing economic damage and safety concerns to landowners and the public d. Never remove log jams and debris 9. The Purple Catspaw, Northern Riffleshell, Pink Mucket,and the Washboard are all Ohio endangered species belonging to the same group of wild animals. Animals from this group were part of an early industry in Ohio that produced buttons for clothing. However, the extreme water pollution of the early to mid twentieth century in Ohio drastically reduced the populations of most species in this group. More recently poaching of these animals for use in the foreign pearl industry has been a threat to this group of animals. To which group of animals are we referring? a. Fishes b. Mollusks c. Turtles d. Dragonflies
10. Aukerman Creek is a tributary of Twin Creek, within the Great Miami River Watershed. What designated aquatic life use has the Ohio EPA given to both Twin and Aukerman a. Coldwater Habitat b. Warmwater Habitat c. Modified Warmwater Habitat d. Exceptional Warmwater Habitat 11. Which of the following actions could reduce the potential for nonpoint source pollution to enter local streams? a. Ohio EPA could monitor outfalls from factories b. County road crews could salt highways in icy weather c. Farmers could disk their fields in the fall d. Homeowners could sweep their driveways instead of hosing them off 12. Which of these macroinvertebrates shown would be found only in high quality streams? a. b. c. d. 13. What equipment would be needed to conduct proper benthic macroinvertebrate sampling? a. a kitchen strainer b. a fish tank c. a kick seine net d. a tin can with both ends cut out and plastic wrap stretched across one end 14. Based on what you know about healthy physical stream characteristics, how would you describe this site? a. Unhealthy because there is erosion and downed trees b. Healthy because there is erosion, deposition and access to the floodplain. c. Unhealthy because there is no visible wildlife d. Healthy because of the sand and gravel on the bottom and along the banks
15. Which of the following factors LEAST affects the rate
of deposition of particles carried by a
stream? a. size and shape
of the particles
b. velocity of the stream
c. stream's elevation above sea
level
d. density of the particles
16.
If you only found the following benthic macroinvertebrates in a streambed,
which assemblage
would indicate poor water quality?
a.
pouch snail, leech, aquatic worm
b. mayfly larva, water penny, crayfish
c. stonefly larva, caddisfly larva, sowbug
d. hellgrammite, dragonfly nymph, midge larva 17. Which of the following characteristics
of this site do not contribute to the physical health of
the stream?
a. pools, riffles,
and runs
b. sand, pebbles, and cobbles in the streambed
c. levees constructed by the
Civilian Conservation Corps
d. wooded riparian corridor 18. Many streams in southwest Ohio do not freeze at the
same rate, given the same air
temperatures, as those in northwest Ohio.
What is the best explanation for this phenomenon? a.
Streams in southwest Ohio have a higher chloride content, requiring lower
temperatures in
order to freeze
b. More aquatic life dwell in rivers in southwest Ohio, stirring up the
water and keeping it from
freezing.
c. Streams in northwest Ohio are more shaded and therefore the water is cooler.
d. Soils in southwest Ohio
are more permeable, allowing warmer groundwater to flow into rivers
and mix. 19. What advantage would there be of using algae in biological
assessment of a stream over the
use of benthic macroinvertebrates or fish? a. Algae is easier to identify
b. Algae has a short reproductive
cycle.
c. It’s easier to get a sample of algae.
d. Water quality standards are determined by algal communities
20. Referring to the
4 copies of quad map sections with watershed boundaries, which one most
likely delineates the watershed of Aukerman
Creek? a.
b.
c.
d. 21. If a family waded into Aukerman Creek at a public bridge
downstream of the historical
society property to fish or take photographs,
from whom would they need to obtain
permission? a.
No one, because all streams in Ohio are owned by the state for use by
its citizens
b. Preble County, because the county engineer maintains all bridge crossings.
c. Gratis Township, because township
trustees maintain this stream for drainage.
d. Whomever
owns the land adjacent to the stream, because they also own the streambed. 22. What is the leading source
of impairment to rivers and streams in Ohio? a.
Hydromodification
b. Discharges from wastewater treatment plants and factories
c. Polluted run-off from urban areas
d. Failing septic systems 23. Surface water quality credit trading is an innovative
way to improve stream health. Which of
the following is the best description of
surface water quality credit trading as it relates to
nutrients like phosphorous and nitrates
in rivers? a. An industrial discharger is
allowed to pollute the river with more toxins if they pay another
industrial discharger to reduce the amount they pollute.
b. A farmer can enroll in a federal program that trades him dollars if
he will begin to practice
conservation tillage.
c. A wastewater treatment plant
operator, instead of spending millions of dollars in plant
upgrades, pays money to a farmer in the same watershed
to install best management practices
that reduce the animal waste and fertilizer getting
into the stream.
d. A vitamin processing plant trades synthetic raw material that goes
into their product for
naturally-derived nutrients drawn from the plants that
grow in rivers. 24. When drinking water contains high levels of nitrate,
infant digestive systems have trouble
processing it and the child could become
ill. What is the name of this syndrome associated
with ingestion of nitrates? a.
methemoglobinemia
b. dysentery
c. diarrhea
d. rickets 25. Since the early 1900s, what has happened to the process
of sampling for fish species in
streams? a. More native fish are found
due to improved water quality.
b. About 20 species are found on a regular basis.
c. Techniques of collecting fish
have improved.
d. Only a few non-native species are found because they prefer a different
habitat.
1. The color of the soil in this wetland system is a very dark, almost black, brown. What is the reason for this coloration of the soil?
a. It contains a high percentage of iron.
b. It contains a high percentage of organic matter
c. It contains a high percentage of sand.
d. That is the color of the parent rock.
2. A domestic goose has been observed at this site. In what way could the presence of this or many geese, domestic or wild, negatively affect the water quality of the wetland?
a. Large amounts of their waste provide too many nutrients for the system to use effectively.
b. The feathers that they shed grow harmful bacteria that contaminate the water within the system.
c. The way that they forage is harmful to the system.
d. Their presence discourages the presence of other types of waterfowl.
3. If the manager of the farm were to wish to discourage geese from this wetland system, what simple and inexpensive method could be used to achieve this means?
a. Letting tall vegetation grow along the edge of the system will discourage the geese because they will be unable to see if any predators are present.
b. Mowing the grass to the very edge of the system will discourage the geese because this will reduce the amount of forage available.
c. Placing an owl decoy near the wetland area will cause the geese to avoid the area due to concern of the predator.
d. Placing decoy geese in the wetland area will cause the geese to avoid the already populated area.
4. Many amphibians, including Spring Peepers, have been noted at this site. What man-made change has made this a less ideal amphibian habitat?
a. Deepening of portions of the wetland.
b. Planting of willows along portions of the edges of the wetland.
c. Steepening of the edges of portions of the wetland.
d. The connection of the wetland to the river.
5. Look at the land uses and conditions surrounding this system. What would be the greatest threat to this system?
a. Acid rain falling into the system.
b. Nutrients from human and animal waste.
c. Nutrients from the surrounding fields.
d. Silt from the surrounding fields.
6. The soil in this system is a type of clay. Why would this be useful for a wetland system?
a. Clay is a very fertile soil type and encourages lush plant growth.
b. Clay filters the water and therefore the water in the wetland is of better quality.
c. Clay resists the flow of water through it due to its narrow, elongate pores.
d. Sand is actually a better medium because it allows water to filter easily through its pores.
7. The original settlers of this farm chose to place their house on the hill above this area. Aside from the wetland, what would have been a major factor in that decision?
a. There is a high likelihood that this area would be flooded frequently by the river.
b. There is no reason for them to have built at one location verses the other.
c. There was not enough room for a house on the bottom land.
d. They wanted to have a nice view.
8. On the other side of the canal, there is a stream. Along both of its edges are trees and other, smaller vegetation. In some housing developments along streams, residents will clear the trees to obtain a better view of ‘their’ stream. How would this affect the water quality of the stream?
a. The temperature of the stream would rise due to increased sunlight reaching the water.
b. There would be an increase of sediments reaching the stream due to the lack of vegetation to filter runoff before it entered the stream.
c. There would be little effect on the water quality since the trees are not in the actual water.
d. Both B and C.
9. In order to build more houses, the contractor gains the permission of the Army Corps of Engineers to fill the wetlands on this site. What of the list below is not a result of filling in the wetland?
a. The filtration of pollutants from the water entering the wetlands is no longer achieved.
b. The rapid breakdown of the organic matter in the bottom of the wetland is no longer achieved.
c. The storage of water, which seeps through the soil to recharge the groundwater, is no longer achieved.
d. The temporary storage of floodwaters is no longer achieved.
10. The beaver, called a keystone species, has been important to the wetland ecosystems of North America. What important service does it provide?
a. The beaver is an important herbivore, keeping trees from clogging the wetlands.
b. The beaver is an important predator, keeping fish numbers low.
c. The beaver is important for its lodges, which provide habitat to other animals when abandoned by the beaver.
d. The beaver maintains early successional stages, adding to biodiversity.
11. In the past, wetlands were seen as an impediment to the process of flood control. Today, wetlands are instead seen as an asset to flood control. How do they perform this important flood control service?
a. Wetlands absorb the additional flow of the flood, thereby reducing its volume.
b. Wetlands have little to no impact on the flood if they are not directly in contact with the stream.
c. Wetlands help to slow the waters of the flood, thereby reducing its power.
d. Both B and D
12. Both of the organisms shown in Diagram A are macroinvertebrates that are likely to live in stream environments. Which of these would you expect to find in waters that were of very high quality (with very little pollution)?
1. 2.
a. Both organisms could potentially be present.
b. Neither organism 1 or 2 is likely to be present.
c. Only organism 1 could be present.
d. Only organism 2 could be present.
13. What are the scientific orders of the organisms in Diagram A?
a. Organism 1 is Order Coleoptera, and Organism 2 is Order Hirudinea
b. Organism 1 is Order Ephemeroptera, and Organism 2 is Order Diptera.
c. Organism 1 is Order Isopoda, and Organism 2 is Order Amphipoda.
d. Organism 1 is Order Pulmonata, and Organism 2 is Order Odonata.
14. Which option shows the correct names of the stages of the water cycle in the order shown in Diagram B above?
a. Stage A is Precipitation, B is Infiltration, C is Runoff, and D is Evaporation.
b. Stage A is Precipitation, B is Runoff, C is Infiltration, and D is Evaporation.
c. Stage A is Through-flow, B is Precipitation, C is Evaporation, and D is Infiltration.
d. Stage A is Transpiration, B is Precipitation, C is Infiltration, and D is Runoff.
15. In Diagram C above, what does the dashed line in the bottom representation of the stream symbolize?
a. It is the best habitat area of the stream.
b. It is the deepest area of the stream.
c. It is the run of the stream.
d. It is the thalwag of the stream.
16. The area in Diagram C on the previous page where you would expect to find the highest number of macroinvertebrates is in the ________ of the stream because the ________ .
a. Edges; large number of plants in this area.
b. Pool; greater volume of this area.
c. Pool; slower speed of this area.
d. Riffle; higher dissolved oxygen of this area.
17. What effect does straightening the channel of a stream by humans, known as channelization, have on the biological productivity of the stream?
a. Only the plants that lived on the sides and in the slower portions of the stream are affected.
b. The lower diversity of habitats offered allows several species to excel and raises productivity of the stream.
c. The lower diversity of habitats offered lowers the diversity of species in the stream and reduces productivity greatly.
d. There is little effect from channelization on the biota of the stream.
18. Through the way we have used the land and water, a process of eutrophication is occurring in many water bodies. Which of the choices below defines eutrophication?
a. Eutrophication is the process of accumulation of silt in the bottom of the stream.
b. Eutrophication is the process of enrichment of a water body due to an increase in nutrient loading.
c. Eutrophication is the process of migration of macroinvertebrates downstream as their habitat degrades.
d. Eutrophication is the process of the stream becoming shallower and wider in response to increased flow volumes.
19. In the past, most conservation efforts were carried out within manmade boundaries such as cities, counties, and states, with each entity working independently. There is a movement currently underway to conserve on a ‘watershed’ scale. What is a watershed?
a. An area of land from which surface water drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or wetland.
b. An area of land submerged by a particular river, lake, or wetland at least 63% of the year.
c. A general term that defines the willingness of entities to work together on conservation issues.
d. A partnership of public entities agreeing to work on water quality issues within several manmade boundaries to increase the success of their efforts.
20. Much has been said about Mercury contamination in fish recently. The government has warned against certain species more than others. What is the reason behind this?
a. The species listed are bottom feeders who have ingested more of the Mercury that has settled into bottom sediments.
b. This occurs because certain fish naturally retain more mercury than others, regardless of what they ingest.
c. This occurs through biomagnification, the tendency of elements that do not break down easily to increase in concentration as they moves up the food chain.
d. These rules were designed to protect fish species who do not reproduce as quickly and are only lightly related to their mercury content.
21. In order for a particular location to be classified as a wetland, which of the below characteristics must be present?
a. The site must contain a large variety of wetland vegetation and be situated on wetland soils.
b. The site must be connected to a river, be saturated or inundated during the entire growing season, and support wetland vegetation.
c. The site must be inundated or saturated by surface or ground water often enough to support wetland vegetation and the soils present must be wetland soils.
d. The site must be inundated with surface or ground water during the entire growing season.
22. Which of the following Ohio trees is important for wood ducks?
a. Black oak
b. Pin oak
c. Scarlet oak
d. Blackjack oak
23. Which of the following species of ash is typically found only on wet swampy sites?
a. Green ash
b. Blue ash
c. Black ash
d. White ash
24. Muskrats are large freshwater rodents. Which of the following animals is most closely related to the muskrat?
a. Beaver
b. Rabbit
c. Mouse
d. Mink
25. Wetlands have been called the kidneys of the landscape. Which of the following is true?
a. Wetlands host a plant species whose roots resemble human kidneys.
b. Wetlands filter out sediments from surface water run off.
c. The Latin words for wet land is Kidnius urinaus
d. Wetlands often give off odors reminiscent of human kidney excretions.