Choose the correct statements:
(A) Depth of euphotic zone is determined by the amount of turbidity blocking sunlight penetration. (B) Shallow water near the shore in which deep-rooted plants can grow is called the littoral zone. (C) Transition between euphotic and profundal zone is referred to as the light compensation zone. (D) Zone rich in sediments and nutrients is referred to as the benthic zone. (E) Extent of littoral zone depends on the slope of the lake bottom and the depth of euphotic zone.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below/

Correct option is C

1. (A) Depth of euphotic zone is determined by the amount of turbidity blocking sunlight penetration:
· Correct.
· The euphotic zone is the uppermost layer of a water body where sunlight penetrates enough to support photosynthesis. Turbidity (caused by suspended particles) significantly reduces light penetration, limiting the depth of this zone.
2. (B) Shallow water near the shore in which deep-rooted plants can grow is called the littoral zone:
· Correct.
· The littoral zone is a nearshore area where sunlight reaches the bottom, supporting the growth of rooted aquatic plants.
3. (C) Transition between euphotic and profundal zone is referred to as the light compensation zone:
· Correct.
· The light compensation zone is the depth where the rate of photosynthesis equals the rate of respiration, marking the boundary between the euphotic zone and the deeper, darker profundal zone.
4. (D) Zone rich in sediments and nutrients is referred to as the benthic zone:
· Correct.
· The benthic zone is the bottom layer of a water body, rich in organic matter and nutrients from accumulated sediments, supporting decomposer organisms.
5. (E) Extent of littoral zone depends on the slope of the lake bottom and the depth of euphotic zone:
· Correct.
· The littoral zone’s extent is influenced by the lake’s bathymetry (bottom slope) and the euphotic zone’s depth, as the zone requires sufficient light for rooted plant growth.
Information Booster: 1. Zones of a Lake or Water Body:
· Littoral Zone: Shallow area near the shore, with abundant plant and animal life.
· Euphotic Zone: Upper layer with sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis.
· Profundal Zone: Deeper, darker layer below the euphotic zone, with limited or no photosynthesis.
· Benthic Zone: Bottom-most layer rich in sediments and nutrients.
2. Factors Affecting Euphotic Zone Depth:
· Water turbidity.
· Presence of algae or suspended particles.
· Season and time of day.
3. Importance of Littoral and Benthic Zones:
· Littoral zone supports biodiversity due to light availability and plant growth.
· Benthic zone acts as a nutrient sink and supports decomposers.
Additional Knowledge: · Euphotic Zone (A): Supports primary producers like phytoplankton.
· Littoral Zone (B): Key for fish spawning and aquatic vegetation.
· Light Compensation Zone (C): Critical for energy balance in aquatic ecosystems.
· Benthic Zone (D): Hosts nutrient cycling and decomposition processes.
· Littoral Zone Extent (E): Dependent on lake morphology and light penetration.