Question

Which phrases describe both lakes and ponds? Check all that apply.

contain still, standing fresh water
have no plants growing at the bottom
formed by rainfall, melted snow and ice, or runoff
formed by lava or mud blocking a river
created by building a dam on a river
are shallow enough that sunlight reaches the bottom

Answer 1

Check the following (these describe both lakes and ponds):

- contain still, standing fresh water — both are inland bodies of still (nonflowing) freshwater.
- formed by rainfall, melted snow and ice, or runoff — both can form when water accumulates from precipitation or melt.
- formed by lava or mud blocking a river — natural dams (lava flows or landslides/mud) can create either a pond or a lake upstream.
- created by building a dam on a river — human-made dams can produce ponds or lakes (reservoirs).

Do not check:

- have no plants growing at the bottom — false; many ponds and shallow lake areas have plants on the bottom.
- are shallow enough that sunlight reaches the bottom — describes ponds (and shallow margins of lakes) but not lakes in general, which can be deep enough that sunlight does not reach the bottom.