Question

restoration of the chesapeake bay

1. if the chesapeake bay program had never been founded, what might have happened to the chesapeake bay?
2. select one organism and explain how it might have been affected if the chesapeake bay program had never been founded.
3. how may the use of less fertilizer on plants and lawns help the chesapeake bay and other estuaries?

extra credit: tell me a joke and if it makes me laugh, you will get bonus points added to your test.

Explanation:

1. Without the Chesapeake Bay Program, pollution levels might have continued to rise, habitats could have been further degraded, and the overall health of the bay would likely have deteriorated.
2. For example, oysters: they play a role in filtering water. Without the program, increased pollution and habitat loss from lack of conservation efforts could have led to a significant decline in oyster populations, reducing water - purification capabilities and altering the food web.
3. Less fertilizer use would mean less nutrient runoff (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) into waterways. Excess nutrients cause algal blooms, which can deplete oxygen levels in the water when the algae decompose, harming aquatic life. Reducing runoff helps maintain healthy water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and other estuaries.

Answer:

1. Pollution would likely increase, habitats would degrade, and the bay's health would decline.
2. Oysters: Their populations could have declined due to increased pollution and habitat loss, reducing water - purification and altering the food web.
3. Less fertilizer reduces nutrient runoff, preventing algal blooms and maintaining water quality.