Two small, poorly drained lakes lie close to each other in a northern forest. The basins of both lakes are composed of the same geologic substratum. One lake is surrounded by a dense Sphagnum mat; the other is not. Compared to the pond with Sphagnum, the pond lacking the moss mat should have ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sphagnum moss is known to acidify its environment by releasing hydrogen ions, which lowers the pH. Therefore, the pond without the Sphagnum mat would likely have a higher pH.

Two Small, Poorly Drained Lakes Lie Close to Each Other