5.0 Aquatic & Mosquito exam 2023 with correct answers
List the roles plants play in a healthy aquatic ecosystem. - ANSWER -producing
oxygen
-preventing shoreline erosion
-lessening excess nutrients during growing season
-stabilizing lake bottom
-providing food and habitat for fish, waterfowl, and other aquatic animals
List ways that excessive plant growth can adversely affect the ecology and uses of a
water body. - ANSWER -harm ecology of aquatic ecosystem
-curtail or prevent recreational water uses (e.g. fishing, boating, swimming)
-impart tastes or odors to drinking water
-hamper water treatment operations
-adversely affect aesthetics, resort trade, and waterfront property values
-produce toxins that harm animals drinking the water
Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Emergent aquatic plants - ANSWER -*growth habits*: rooted in shallow
water, most growth above water
-*means of dispersal*: underground root systems
-*potential problems*: very dense and may exclude recreational pursuits like boating,
fishing, and swimming. Purple loosestrife is an example of a problem species.
Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Submergent aquatic plants (both pondweeds and plants with whorled
leaves) - ANSWER -*growth habits*: grow mostly under water surface, pondweeds
sometimes have floating leaves in addition to their submerged leaves; whorled-leaf
plants grow underwater with whorled leaf attachments
-*means of dispersal*: pondweeds have extensive root systems, runners, and can
also reproduce from seeds; plants with whorled leaves can disperse when uprooted
by breaking free and getting moved by the wind
-*potential problems*: most pondweeds not nuisance except for curlyleaf pondweed
and sometimes sago pondweed; whorled leaf plants can uproot and break free easily
and drift with wind to clutter shoreline; Eurasian watermilfoil is an aggressive non-
native that can affect habitat and restrict recreation. Raking is required to remove
these clutters.
Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Free-floating and rooted floating-leaved aquatic plants - ANSWER -
*growth habits*: occur on water surface and can be free-floating or rooted with large
floating leaves
-*means of dispersal*: free floating plants are easily windblown. rooted ones not so
much
-*potential problems*: free-floating plants accumulate on shorelines and are difficult
to control in large waterbodies; rooted plants are rarely a nuisance.
,Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Free-floating, filamentous, and "rooted" algae - ANSWER -*growth
habits*: found free-floating (planktonic) or attached to submerged surfaces
(filamentous or "rooted").
-*means of dispersal*: multiply rapidly in warm weather;
-*potential problems*: free-floating algae responsible for many nuisance algal blooms
(release toxin, low DO, blue-green algae); removing rooted algae can allow worse
species to come in so don't mess with them.
List the advantages and disadvantages of chemical control of aquatic plants and
algae - ANSWER *Advantages*:
-offer longer-lasting control than some mechanical methods
-less physical labor
-ultimately cost less
-important tool for specific nuisance plants/algae such as Eurasian watermilfoil and
purple loosestrife
*Disadvantages*:
-restrictions on water use
-oxygen depletion and fish kills
-sudden nutrient release into water can lead to other plant or algae problems
-risk to people and nontarget organisms
Describe the beneficial roles of Wisconsin's fish populations. - ANSWER -maintain
balanced communities by feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and other fish & provide
a food source for natural predators
-fishing for food/sport is popular in WI and ddepends on healthy populations
-fish farms and hatcheries raise fish for food, feed, fertilizer, bait, and to release
List 5 types of situations in which fish control may be warranted - ANSWER -
eliminating undesirable or competing fish from fish rearing ponds
-removing exotic and other undesirable species from a waterbody
-thinning stunted fish to bring a population into balance
-eliminating fish from a hatchery water supply to prevent a potential reservoir of
disease-causing organisms
-treating fish spawning sites to prevent overpopulation of an individual species
Explain why post-treatment management can be important in the long-term success
of a pesticide treatment project. - ANSWER -because when fish populations are
lowered, density-dependent population growth allows the population to rebound if not
managed post-treatment
Know the Law: Who do you need to get approval from to conduct any chemical
treatment for fish control? - ANSWER WI DNR Aquatic Plant Management Program
List the 2 main reasons why mosquito control may be warranted. - ANSWER -
nuisance
-disease
,Describe the 4 stages of the mosquito life cycle, including the main structural
features of each - ANSWER -*egg*: laid in water, hatch in ~3 days, some laid on
dry land and hatch when flooded
-*larva*: "wiggler", 4 instars with molting in between each, filterers, air tube to breath
from surface
-*pupa*: comma shaped, non-feeding, lasts a few days, contain respiratory trumpets,
"tumblers"
-*adult*: 1 pair wings, elongated probiscis, pair of antennae, males have bushy
antennae while females have short and sparse antennae
List the types of info you need about a mosquito species before you can develop an
effective program to control it. - ANSWER -the types and locations of breeding sites
-# of generations per year
-host preference of the females (what animals they prefer to get blood from)
-seasonal population levels and how rainfall affects them
-their flight range
-common resting areas
-whether the species can transmit pathogens that may be present in your area
-whether the mosquitoes carry pathogens that are present in wildlife populations
Describe the habits of Aedes triseriatus, Aedes vexans, and Culex pipiens species of
mosquitoes. - ANSWER -*Aedes triseriatus*: tree-hole mosquito; breeds in old
tires, tin cans, barrels, tree holes and stumps; several generations per year; main
vector of La Crosse encephalitis
-*Aedes vexans*: most common pest species in state from late spring-late fall;
"inland floodwater mosquito"; larvae in roadside puddles, woodland pools, temporary
pools, and river bottoms; continuous breeding in wet years; survives winter and dry
periods in egg stage; adults migrate 15-20 miles or more from breeding sites and
can live for 3-4 weeks; eggs dormant for up to 5 years before flooding prompts
hatching
-*Culex pipiens*: breed in temporary or permanent pools that are high in OM like
ditches or sewage lagoons; females lay eggs in rafts and eggs hatch quickly;
responsible for St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile Virus.
-Both Aedes triseriatus and Culex pipiens breed in "backyard sites" like bird baths,
ponds, tree holes, buckets, tires, and rain barrels.
List the 3 main mosquito-transmitted diseases that occur in WI and know the
mosquito vector for each. - ANSWER -*La Crosse Encephalitis*: Aedes triseriatus
-*West Nile Virus*: Culex pipiens
-*Dog Heartworm*: Aedes vexans
Define the word pesticide and explain how the word differs from specific types of
pesticides. - ANSWER -*Pesticide*: any substance used to directly control pest
populations or to prevent or reduce pest damage
-'pesticide' is broad and refers to the killing of any pests. insecticide, fungicide, and
herbicide are specific.
Discuss and explain some of the general characteristics of pesticides. - ANSWER -
*Mode of Action*: the way a chemical kills or harms target pest; classes of pesticides
, often have same MOA; switching up MOAs in treating pests reduces pest resistance
to pesticide
-*Selectivity*: broad vs. narrow-spectrum; broad spectrum kills several different pest
types with sufficient dose; narrow spectrum kill only few related pests while not
harming others and may control only certain species or life stages.
-*Persistence*: how long they remain active to control pests; Residual pesticides
control for weeks/months/yrs
-*Contact vs. Systemic*: systemic are absorbed and translocated/transported within
a plant/animal; contact must directly touch pest or a site that the pest frequents
Contrast the difference between organic, inorganic and microbial pesticides. -
ANSWER -*organic*: most pesticides are this; most are synthetic; extremely
effective; specific; principal focus of health/envtl concerns; commonly associated
with problems of pesticide use/misuse
-*inorganic*: derived from minerals; silica aerogel, boric acid, borates, diatomaceous
earth, copper, sulfur; some have been banned for health/envtl concerns; used mainly
for plant diseases and algicides; non-specific and less effective than organics
-*microbial*: cause disease in pests; Bt products (Bacillus thuringiensis); ag and
home gardens; one effective against mosquito larvae; high level of control may be
possible; highly specific, harmless to other species
Explain the difference between the different types of pesticide names. - ANSWER -
*Active Ingredient*: the part of product that has pesticide activity
-*Trade Names*: name given to commercial formulation of active ingredient; "brand";
sometimes same as common
-*Common Names*: active ingredients also have common name; appear on label on
same line with or just before chemical name
-*Chemical Names*: active ingredient given chemical name; long, hard to pronounce
-common and chemical name always refer to specific active ingredient and don't
change with brands.
Outline the characteristics of the insecticide groups discussed in this chapter. -
ANSWER -_*Synthetic Organic Insecticides*_: most widely used;
1)_organophosphates_ (widely used, broad spectrum, non-residual, don't
accumulate in non-target orgs) 2)_pyrethroids_ (synthetic, low toxicity to mammals,
except cats, permethrin, residual activity, effective at lower temps)
3)_neonicotinoids_ (highly active, low toxicity against mammals, interfere w nervous
system)
-_*Botanicals*_: rotenone, limonene, linalool, pyrethrins and oils (clove and mint);
nonpersistent, toxic to humans; not used as much
-_*Oils*_: surface films on water prevent larvae from getting oxygen; or reduce
surface tension so they drown
-_*Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)*_: synthetic, mimic hormone activity, don't
directly kill, apply to breeding areas, methoprene; moderate specificity, minimal risks
to nontarget, less insect resistance
-_*Microbial Insecticides*_: pathogens, Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis (Bti)
applied to water breeding sites; selective; kills within 12 hours; B. sphaericus has
residual control because it reproduces.
List the roles plants play in a healthy aquatic ecosystem. - ANSWER -producing
oxygen
-preventing shoreline erosion
-lessening excess nutrients during growing season
-stabilizing lake bottom
-providing food and habitat for fish, waterfowl, and other aquatic animals
List ways that excessive plant growth can adversely affect the ecology and uses of a
water body. - ANSWER -harm ecology of aquatic ecosystem
-curtail or prevent recreational water uses (e.g. fishing, boating, swimming)
-impart tastes or odors to drinking water
-hamper water treatment operations
-adversely affect aesthetics, resort trade, and waterfront property values
-produce toxins that harm animals drinking the water
Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Emergent aquatic plants - ANSWER -*growth habits*: rooted in shallow
water, most growth above water
-*means of dispersal*: underground root systems
-*potential problems*: very dense and may exclude recreational pursuits like boating,
fishing, and swimming. Purple loosestrife is an example of a problem species.
Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Submergent aquatic plants (both pondweeds and plants with whorled
leaves) - ANSWER -*growth habits*: grow mostly under water surface, pondweeds
sometimes have floating leaves in addition to their submerged leaves; whorled-leaf
plants grow underwater with whorled leaf attachments
-*means of dispersal*: pondweeds have extensive root systems, runners, and can
also reproduce from seeds; plants with whorled leaves can disperse when uprooted
by breaking free and getting moved by the wind
-*potential problems*: most pondweeds not nuisance except for curlyleaf pondweed
and sometimes sago pondweed; whorled leaf plants can uproot and break free easily
and drift with wind to clutter shoreline; Eurasian watermilfoil is an aggressive non-
native that can affect habitat and restrict recreation. Raking is required to remove
these clutters.
Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Free-floating and rooted floating-leaved aquatic plants - ANSWER -
*growth habits*: occur on water surface and can be free-floating or rooted with large
floating leaves
-*means of dispersal*: free floating plants are easily windblown. rooted ones not so
much
-*potential problems*: free-floating plants accumulate on shorelines and are difficult
to control in large waterbodies; rooted plants are rarely a nuisance.
,Describe the general growth habits of, means of dispersal and potential problems
caused by: Free-floating, filamentous, and "rooted" algae - ANSWER -*growth
habits*: found free-floating (planktonic) or attached to submerged surfaces
(filamentous or "rooted").
-*means of dispersal*: multiply rapidly in warm weather;
-*potential problems*: free-floating algae responsible for many nuisance algal blooms
(release toxin, low DO, blue-green algae); removing rooted algae can allow worse
species to come in so don't mess with them.
List the advantages and disadvantages of chemical control of aquatic plants and
algae - ANSWER *Advantages*:
-offer longer-lasting control than some mechanical methods
-less physical labor
-ultimately cost less
-important tool for specific nuisance plants/algae such as Eurasian watermilfoil and
purple loosestrife
*Disadvantages*:
-restrictions on water use
-oxygen depletion and fish kills
-sudden nutrient release into water can lead to other plant or algae problems
-risk to people and nontarget organisms
Describe the beneficial roles of Wisconsin's fish populations. - ANSWER -maintain
balanced communities by feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and other fish & provide
a food source for natural predators
-fishing for food/sport is popular in WI and ddepends on healthy populations
-fish farms and hatcheries raise fish for food, feed, fertilizer, bait, and to release
List 5 types of situations in which fish control may be warranted - ANSWER -
eliminating undesirable or competing fish from fish rearing ponds
-removing exotic and other undesirable species from a waterbody
-thinning stunted fish to bring a population into balance
-eliminating fish from a hatchery water supply to prevent a potential reservoir of
disease-causing organisms
-treating fish spawning sites to prevent overpopulation of an individual species
Explain why post-treatment management can be important in the long-term success
of a pesticide treatment project. - ANSWER -because when fish populations are
lowered, density-dependent population growth allows the population to rebound if not
managed post-treatment
Know the Law: Who do you need to get approval from to conduct any chemical
treatment for fish control? - ANSWER WI DNR Aquatic Plant Management Program
List the 2 main reasons why mosquito control may be warranted. - ANSWER -
nuisance
-disease
,Describe the 4 stages of the mosquito life cycle, including the main structural
features of each - ANSWER -*egg*: laid in water, hatch in ~3 days, some laid on
dry land and hatch when flooded
-*larva*: "wiggler", 4 instars with molting in between each, filterers, air tube to breath
from surface
-*pupa*: comma shaped, non-feeding, lasts a few days, contain respiratory trumpets,
"tumblers"
-*adult*: 1 pair wings, elongated probiscis, pair of antennae, males have bushy
antennae while females have short and sparse antennae
List the types of info you need about a mosquito species before you can develop an
effective program to control it. - ANSWER -the types and locations of breeding sites
-# of generations per year
-host preference of the females (what animals they prefer to get blood from)
-seasonal population levels and how rainfall affects them
-their flight range
-common resting areas
-whether the species can transmit pathogens that may be present in your area
-whether the mosquitoes carry pathogens that are present in wildlife populations
Describe the habits of Aedes triseriatus, Aedes vexans, and Culex pipiens species of
mosquitoes. - ANSWER -*Aedes triseriatus*: tree-hole mosquito; breeds in old
tires, tin cans, barrels, tree holes and stumps; several generations per year; main
vector of La Crosse encephalitis
-*Aedes vexans*: most common pest species in state from late spring-late fall;
"inland floodwater mosquito"; larvae in roadside puddles, woodland pools, temporary
pools, and river bottoms; continuous breeding in wet years; survives winter and dry
periods in egg stage; adults migrate 15-20 miles or more from breeding sites and
can live for 3-4 weeks; eggs dormant for up to 5 years before flooding prompts
hatching
-*Culex pipiens*: breed in temporary or permanent pools that are high in OM like
ditches or sewage lagoons; females lay eggs in rafts and eggs hatch quickly;
responsible for St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile Virus.
-Both Aedes triseriatus and Culex pipiens breed in "backyard sites" like bird baths,
ponds, tree holes, buckets, tires, and rain barrels.
List the 3 main mosquito-transmitted diseases that occur in WI and know the
mosquito vector for each. - ANSWER -*La Crosse Encephalitis*: Aedes triseriatus
-*West Nile Virus*: Culex pipiens
-*Dog Heartworm*: Aedes vexans
Define the word pesticide and explain how the word differs from specific types of
pesticides. - ANSWER -*Pesticide*: any substance used to directly control pest
populations or to prevent or reduce pest damage
-'pesticide' is broad and refers to the killing of any pests. insecticide, fungicide, and
herbicide are specific.
Discuss and explain some of the general characteristics of pesticides. - ANSWER -
*Mode of Action*: the way a chemical kills or harms target pest; classes of pesticides
, often have same MOA; switching up MOAs in treating pests reduces pest resistance
to pesticide
-*Selectivity*: broad vs. narrow-spectrum; broad spectrum kills several different pest
types with sufficient dose; narrow spectrum kill only few related pests while not
harming others and may control only certain species or life stages.
-*Persistence*: how long they remain active to control pests; Residual pesticides
control for weeks/months/yrs
-*Contact vs. Systemic*: systemic are absorbed and translocated/transported within
a plant/animal; contact must directly touch pest or a site that the pest frequents
Contrast the difference between organic, inorganic and microbial pesticides. -
ANSWER -*organic*: most pesticides are this; most are synthetic; extremely
effective; specific; principal focus of health/envtl concerns; commonly associated
with problems of pesticide use/misuse
-*inorganic*: derived from minerals; silica aerogel, boric acid, borates, diatomaceous
earth, copper, sulfur; some have been banned for health/envtl concerns; used mainly
for plant diseases and algicides; non-specific and less effective than organics
-*microbial*: cause disease in pests; Bt products (Bacillus thuringiensis); ag and
home gardens; one effective against mosquito larvae; high level of control may be
possible; highly specific, harmless to other species
Explain the difference between the different types of pesticide names. - ANSWER -
*Active Ingredient*: the part of product that has pesticide activity
-*Trade Names*: name given to commercial formulation of active ingredient; "brand";
sometimes same as common
-*Common Names*: active ingredients also have common name; appear on label on
same line with or just before chemical name
-*Chemical Names*: active ingredient given chemical name; long, hard to pronounce
-common and chemical name always refer to specific active ingredient and don't
change with brands.
Outline the characteristics of the insecticide groups discussed in this chapter. -
ANSWER -_*Synthetic Organic Insecticides*_: most widely used;
1)_organophosphates_ (widely used, broad spectrum, non-residual, don't
accumulate in non-target orgs) 2)_pyrethroids_ (synthetic, low toxicity to mammals,
except cats, permethrin, residual activity, effective at lower temps)
3)_neonicotinoids_ (highly active, low toxicity against mammals, interfere w nervous
system)
-_*Botanicals*_: rotenone, limonene, linalool, pyrethrins and oils (clove and mint);
nonpersistent, toxic to humans; not used as much
-_*Oils*_: surface films on water prevent larvae from getting oxygen; or reduce
surface tension so they drown
-_*Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)*_: synthetic, mimic hormone activity, don't
directly kill, apply to breeding areas, methoprene; moderate specificity, minimal risks
to nontarget, less insect resistance
-_*Microbial Insecticides*_: pathogens, Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis (Bti)
applied to water breeding sites; selective; kills within 12 hours; B. sphaericus has
residual control because it reproduces.
