Two Small, Poorly Drained Lakes Lie Close to Each Other

Multiple Choice

Two small, poorly drained lakes lie close to each other in a northern forest. The basins of both lakes are composed of the same geologic substratum. One lake is surrounded by a dense Sphagnum mat; the other is not. Compared to the pond with Sphagnum, the pond lacking the moss mat should have ________.

A) lower numbers of bacteria
B) reduced rates of decomposition
C) reduced oxygen content
D) water with a higher pH