Aquatics: 4_Applied Field Techniques Flashcards
(42 cards)
What is an Adipose Fin?
A small, thick, fleshy fin located between the dorsal and caudal fins on certain fish species; its purpose is unknown.
What is an Anal Fin?
A fin located on the ventral side of a fish, posterior to the vent, which helps stabilize the fish while swimming.
What is Aquatic Biomonitoring?
The process of using biological organisms, such as benthic macroinvertebrates, to assess the health and condition of aquatic ecosystems.
What are Barbels?
“Whiskers” found on the head area of some fish species, such as catfish and sturgeon, thought to be a sensory organ for locating food.
What does Benthic mean?
Relating to or living on the bottom of a body of water.
What are Benthic Macroinvertebrates?
Organisms without a backbone that are visible to the naked eye (retained by 200-500 µm mesh) and live on the bottom substrates of aquatic environments for at least part of their life cycle.
What is CABIN?
Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network, a national program providing standardized protocols for assessing aquatic ecosystem condition using biomonitoring.
What is Calibration?
The process of adjusting water monitoring equipment to offset drift and ensure accurate readings, typically done using standards with known values.
What is a Caudal Fin?
The tail fin of a fish, used for propulsion and steering.
What is Chain of Custody?
A form that documents the transfer of samples from the time of collection until they are received by the laboratory, ensuring a clear record for legal and quality control purposes.
What is Chlorophyll-a?
A pigment found in algae and plants, often measured in water samples to estimate algal biomass.
What is Conductivity?
The ability of water to conduct an electrical current, which is related to the concentration of dissolved ions (salts) in the water.
What is Dissolved Oxygen (DO)?
The amount of oxygen gas that is dissolved in water, essential for the respiration of most aquatic organisms.
What is a Dorsal Fin?
A fin located on the back of a fish, helping to maintain balance while swimming.
What is E. coli?
A species of bacteria found in the fecal matter of warm-blooded animals, used as an indicator of fecal contamination in water.
What are Gills?
Feathery tissue structures in fish that extract dissolved oxygen from water and transfer it into the bloodstream, allowing them to breathe underwater.
What is Holding Time?
The maximum amount of time allowed between the collection of a sample and the initiation of the laboratory analysis, often subject to regulatory requirements.
What are Invasive Species?
Non-native species that can cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
What is a Lateral Line?
A sensory system along the side of a fish’s body that detects vibrations and movements in the water.
What is Linearity?
A characteristic of an instrument’s response as the concentration of an analyte changes; ideally, the response is directly proportional to the concentration.
What are Macroinvertebrates?
Organisms without a backbone that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye.
What are Nares?
Nostril-like openings on the head of a fish used for smelling.
What is an Operculum?
The bony flap that covers and protects the gills of a fish.
What are Otoliths?
Internal ear bones in fish used for sensing sound; fisheries biologists can also use them to age fish.
