Author Question: What is salinity, and how is it measured? What will be an ideal ... (Read 53 times)

Mollykgkg · **on:** Jul 21, 2018

What is salinity, and how is it measured?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Using an example, describe the aquatic food chain.

What will be an ideal response?

ktidd · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS:Salinity
is the measurement of total mineral solids in water. It is measured by either electrical
conductivity (ohms/cm) or calculated against known standards and converted to parts per thousand
(ppt). As the concentration of salts rises, the conductivity reading becomes greater.

Answer to Question 2

ANS:The
aquatic environment constantly changes to maintain a balance of organisms that function in the
food chain or system. A simple illustration is the makeup of a freshwater pond. The food chain is
fueled by sunlight. Green plants and algae use this energy to grow and use nutrients they absorb from
the water. These plants are eaten by fish and other animals, which then become prey of larger animals
(fish, reptiles, and others) and sometimes humans. These large animals return nutrients to the water as
waste, or carrion, that is reabsorbed by plants for growth. The maintenance of this food chain supports
life.