What happens to a lake's ecosystem during the process of eutrophication?

Prepare for the Michigan Aquatic Pest Control Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each equipped with hints and solutions. Ensure your success!

During the process of eutrophication, a lake's ecosystem undergoes aging and deterioration due to an excessive influx of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. This nutrient overload often leads to accelerated algal blooms, which can block sunlight from reaching underwater plants and disrupt photosynthesis. As the algae die and decompose, oxygen levels in the water decrease, creating conditions that are often hostile for aquatic life. This deterioration can lead to a significant decline in biodiversity, altering the ecosystem's balance and potentially leading to dead zones where very few organisms can survive. Consequently, eutrophication typically represents a negative change in the lake's health, as it moves towards a less diverse and less productive state.

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