Which species diversity factor is crucial when monitoring aquatic areas?

Monitoring species diversity in aquatic areas is essential for assessing ecosystem health and functionality. The presence of birds and animals, including bottom-dwelling organisms, plays a significant role in this assessment, as these organisms contribute to the trophic dynamics of the aquatic environment.

Birds and animals serve as indicators of environmental conditions and can reflect changes in the ecosystem that might be caused by pollution, habitat alteration, or climate change. Bottom-dwelling organisms, such as benthic invertebrates, are particularly important as they are directly influenced by the conditions of the substrate and water quality, and they can provide insight into the overall health of the habitat. Their presence and diversity indicate the ability of the ecosystem to support various life forms, which is fundamental to biodiversity.

In contrast, while the presence of invasive species, algal blooms concentration, and the number of boats in the area are factors that can influence aquatic ecosystems, they do not provide a direct measure of species diversity. Invasive species presence indicates a potential threat to native species, but it does not directly quantify diversity. Algal blooms can signal nutrient imbalances but also do not gauge the diversity of microorganisms and larger life forms. Lastly, the number of boats may reflect human activity impact but does not inherently measure the