APES Aquatic Pollution Practice Test

When assessing two aquatic sites, if one site exhibits a high level of organic pollution, it indicates that there is an excess of organic matter, which often comes from sources like agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, or decaying vegetation. This suggests that the other site, which demonstrates a lower level of organic pollution, is not similarly affected or polluted.

Choosing the conclusion that the second site has a high level of organic pollution is logically inconsistent with the scenario since it contradicts the premise that one site shows a high level of pollution while the other does not. Instead, a more accurate conclusion would recognize that the first site is indeed facing significant environmental stress due to organic pollution, while the second site is likely to be healthier and less polluted in comparison. Thus, Site 2 is generally healthier than Site 1 and may support a more diverse aquatic ecosystem due to the absence of stress factors associated with high organic pollution.