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Question

Difficulty: MediumEcological Factors and Their Measurement

An ecologist studying a freshwater habitat needs to determine the depth of light penetration (turbidity) in the water body and the relative humidity of the surrounding air. Which pair of instruments should be selected for these respective measurements?

  1. Secchi disc and hygrometerAnswer
  2. B
    Hydrometer and wind vane
  3. C
    Anemometer and Secchi disc
  4. D
    Barometer and hydrometer

Answer

Secchi disc and hygrometer
The Secchi disc is a circular disc used in aquatic ecology to gauge water clarity and the depth to which solar radiation penetrates. Relative humidity, which measures moisture in the atmosphere, is recorded using a hygrometer.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the instrument used to measure water transparency and light penetration depth in aquatic habitats.
A Secchi disc is lowered into the water until it is no longer visible to measure turbidity/light penetration depth.
Light penetration in water bodies directly influences aquatic plant photosynthesis and distribution.
2
Identify the instrument used to measure atmospheric humidity.
A hygrometer (or wet-and-dry bulb psychrometer) measures relative humidity of the air.
Humidity is a vital abiotic climatic factor affecting transpiration and evaporation rates.
3
Match both required instruments in the specified order.
The correct sequence is Secchi disc followed by hygrometer.
This combination accurately pairs the aquatic factor (light penetration) and atmospheric factor (humidity) with their respective instruments.

Key Concept

Measurement of Abiotic Ecological Factors
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Topics

Ecological Factors and Their Measurement

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