Question

Due to the unwanted growth of algae and other plants the ponds and lakes are filled with sediments and become dry. This is known as (a) bioamplification (b) eutrophication (c) phosphorylation (d) soil erosion

Short answer

The correct answer is (b) eutrophication.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

Identify the term describing the phenomenon where ponds and lakes are filled with sediments, leading to them becoming dry.

Analyze Each Option

Evaluate each provided option to determine which one fits the described phenomenon: (a) Bioamplification: This refers to the increase in concentration of a substance, such as a pesticide, in the tissues of organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain.(b) Eutrophication: This is a process where water bodies become enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and plants, which eventually creates sediment and dries the water body.(c) Phosphorylation: This refers to a biochemical process that involves the addition of a phosphate group to an organic molecule.(d) Soil erosion: This is the removal of the topsoil layer by natural physical forces such as wind and water.

Select the Correct Option

Based on the analysis, (b) eutrophication is the correct term, as it matches the description of water bodies becoming filled with sediments due to the excessive growth of plants and algae.

Key concepts

Bioamplification

Bioamplification, also known as biomagnification, describes the process where the concentration of toxic substances increases in organisms at higher levels of the food chain. This happens because pollutants are not easily broken down and tend to accumulate within an organism's tissues.
For example, small fish might absorb a small amount of a pollutant like mercury. Larger fish that eat many small fish will accumulate more mercury in their tissues. Finally, a predator like a bird or human consuming these large fish will absorb even higher levels of mercury.
Key Points:

• Involves pollutants like pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins.
• Impacts all organisms, but top-level predators experience the most significant effects.
• Can lead to health problems like reproductive issues, growth defects, and decreased survival rates.

Phosphorylation

Phosphorylation is a critical biochemical process where a phosphate group is added to an organic molecule, such as a protein or a lipid. This process is essential in various cellular functions and signaling pathways.
There are two main types of phosphorylation:

• Oxidative Phosphorylation: Occurs in the mitochondria and is a part of cellular respiration, responsible for producing ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
• Substrate-level Phosphorylation: Occurs during metabolic pathways like glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.

Phosphorylation is vital for:

• Energy transfer and storage.
• Regulation of protein function and signaling pathways.
• Cell growth, division, and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Understanding phosphorylation helps explain many biological processes, including how cells produce energy and respond to various signals.

Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is the process by which the fertile top layer of the soil is removed, primarily by wind and water. This process can have severe impacts on agriculture, natural habitats, and water quality.
There are several types of soil erosion:

• Water Erosion: Caused by rainfall and surface runoff, leading to the removal of soil.
• Wind Erosion: Occurs in dry and barren areas, where loose soil particles are lifted and carried away by wind.

Key Factors Contributing to Soil Erosion:

• Poor agricultural practices, like deforestation and overgrazing.
• Construction activities that disturb the soil.
• Natural events like heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Effects of Soil Erosion:

• Loss of fertile topsoil, reducing agricultural productivity.
• Increased sedimentation in water bodies, affecting aquatic life.
• Degradation of natural habitats and increased risk of floods.

Preventing soil erosion is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable agriculture.