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 most likely has ________.

A) a lower concentration of bacteria
B) a higher diversity of organisms
C) a lower oxygen content
D) a higher pH