Which statement best describes eutrophic lakes?

• A. Deep, clear water with low productivity
• B. Lakes high in productivity
• C. Saltwater with stable stratification
• D. Short growing season with little plant life

Answer: (B)

Eutrophic lakes are defined by high nutrient levels that fuel abundant plant and algal growth. That abundance of nutrients leads to high productivity, so describing lakes as high in productivity best captures what eutrophic means. In practical terms, nutrient-rich lakes often become cloudy from algae blooms and can experience oxygen depletion in deeper waters as organic matter decomposes. The other descriptions point to different conditions: deep, clear water with low productivity refers to nutrient-poor lakes that remain clear; saltwater with stable stratification isn’t the typical scenario for nutrient-driven eutrophication in freshwater systems; and a short growing season with little plant life suggests limited growth due to climate, not nutrient enrichment.