Suppose you are studying the nitrogen cycling in a pond ecosystem over the course of a month. While you are collecting data, a flock of 100 migrating Canada geese lands and spends the night. How could you account for the effect of this event on the pond's nitrogen cycling?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best way to account for the effect of the Canada geese visitation on the pond's nitrogen cycling is to estimate the amount of nitrogen consumed and eliminated by each goose over a 12-hour period and multiply that number by the total number of geese (100). This will give the net value of nitrogen associated with the Canada geese visitation, which can then be entered into the nitrogen budget of the ecosystem. Option A and B are incorrect because they assume that the Canada geese either consume or eliminate nitrogen without accounting for both processes, and these calculations may not accurately reflect the actual nitrogen cycling in the pond. Option D is incorrect because, depending on the size of the pond and the number of Canada geese visiting, the impact on the nitrogen budget could be significant. Option E is not a practical solution as it is not feasible to cover the entire pond to prevent migratory birds from landing.

Suppose You Are Studying the Nitrogen Cycling in a Pond