Learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • describe the principal differences between a eutrophic and an oligotrophic ecosystem
  • explain the mechanisms by which species diversity is reduced as a result of eutrophication (Questions 2.1 and 2.2)
  • contrast the anthropogenic sources that supply nitrogen and phosphorus to the wider environment, and describe how these sources can be controlled (Question 3.1)
  • describe how living organisms can be used as monitors of the trophic status of ecosystems (Question 4.1)
  • compare the advantages and disadvantages of three different methods for combating anthropogenic eutrophication (Question 4.2).