EXTENDING YOUR KNOWLEDGE

These questions are more general than the Interactive computer corrected questions. In fact, many of the questions may not have one correct answer. The purpose of these questions is to provide the users of the RAK with an opportunity to evaluate and apply their understanding of life in and around running water.

In order to answer these questions you can return to the material in the main text to review information on each topic, you can get some ideas about the answer by discussing the issues they raise with some of your colleagues, or you can utilize the RAK web site and Bulletin Board to get help from other RAK users or from one of the content experts that participated in the development of the RAK.

1. Explain the special adaptations of bacteria and fungi for decomposing organic materials.

2. Describe some major differences between microorganisms, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates.

3. Describe the composition and ecological role played by biofilm.

4. Describe the importance of riparian and floodplain vegetation for river food chains and ecosystems.

5. Why is an understanding of insect adaptations to fresh water important for understanding aquatic ecosystems?