Question

Data Analysis

Aquatic Organism pH Range for Life
Clam 4.5 - 5.0
Snail 5.0 - 9.0
Bass 5.5 - 9.0
Crayfish 5.5 - 8.5
Mayfly 5.5 - 9.0
Salamander 6.0 - 8.0
Trout 6.0 - 8.5
Perch 6.5 - 8.5
Frog 7.0 - 9.5


The EPA has recommended water quality criteria that include the pH in both freshwater and salt water. The recommended pH range for freshwater is 6.5 to 9.0, and for salt water it is 6.6 to 8.5. In the eastern United States, 75% of the lakes have a pH in the acidic range, from 6.5 to 4.2.

Based on this new information, what species are most likely to survive in eastern U.S. lakes, if the pH drops and remains at 4.2?
A) frogs
B) clams and snails
C) none of the species would survive
D) frogs, perch, trout, salamanders

Answer 1

C) none of the species would survive

Step-by-step explanation:

clam only goes down to a pH of 4.5

Answer 2

The correct answer is C) none of the species would survive

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the given data, the minimum pH range in which an organism can survive is 4.5-5.0 and that is for clam and that maximum range an organism can live is between 7.0-9.5 which is for frog.

Therefore according to data, no organism can live below pH 4.5 and above pH 9.5 or organism can only live between pH 4.5-9.5. So if the pH eastern U.S. lake drops to 4.2 than even clam will not able to survive in that lake.

This means the pH of the lake is too acidic for the survival of any species, therefore, the correct answer is C) None of the species would survive.