| Study Questions Texas Aquatic Communities |
| 1. Identify the four longest river systems in Texas. |
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| 2. What is the orientation of most Texas rivers and in what direction do they flow? How did you determine the direction of flow? |
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| 3. Study the surface water quality map posted on this page. What is your assessment of the condition of our surface waters? Can you find data presented within the article to support your answer? If so, summarize that data in your response. |
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| 4. According to the article (written in 2002), how many fish kills were reported in the previous 5 years? What were the three primary causes of those fish kills? |
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| 5. The Hill Country region is the source of at least three major rivers – the Guadalupe, the Medina and the Nueces. In addition to serving as a source region in this highland country, what other major water related feature is discussed in the narrative describing this region? In what way(s) is this feature important? |
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| 6. Identify the river that serves as the southern border for the South Texas Plains region. Describe the unique habitat of that region. What animals might be found within that river valley? Hint: Use the wildlife link on the South Texas Plains page to identify animals found in the river valley. |
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| 7. After studying several of the endangered and threatened species, identify at least three factors that contributed to their current status. |
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| 8. What major cities are located closest to the Edwards Aquifer? |
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| 9. Identify the sources that supply water to the wetlands. |
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| 10. How do wetlands protect communites from flood impacts? |
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| 11. Wetlands are regions where water enters from two sources. Identify two sources of Texas wetlands. |
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| 12. Estuaries in South Texas tend to be quite salty. What conditions contribute to the high saline content? |
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| 13. What is the Gulf of Mexico watershed? |
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| 14. When you reach the Texas Coastal State Parks and National Wildlife Refuges page, click on Mustang Island State Park. What type of natural event are visitors likely to be treated to if they visit in the spring and autumn? |
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| 15. In which environment (salt, fresh, or brackish water) would you most likely find oysters? How does their presence benefit the environment in which they live? |
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| 16. Many species “winter” in the coastal wetlands. Why does this occur? |
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