A simulated survey. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to fill out a sensitivity index, calculate an index value and determine the water quality rating for a fictitious aquatic environment based on a simulated macro invertebrate sample.

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1. Plants and animals have a more limited capacity than humans to adapt, thus, their environment must fit their needs.

2. Some plant and animal populations are very sensitive to environmental changes. By evaluating these populations, we can use them as biological indicators of ecosystem health.