Lakes that are affected by environmental acidification typically have what kind of ecological condition?

Lakes affected by environmental acidification often exhibit fewer animals and higher aluminum levels. Acidification leads to a decrease in the pH of water bodies, which can have detrimental effects on aquatic life. Many species of fish and invertebrates are sensitive to changes in pH, and as the acidity increases, it can lead to a reduction in their populations.

Additionally, as the pH drops, aluminum—which is typically bound in the soil and sediments—can become more soluble and leach into the water. Elevated aluminum levels can be toxic to aquatic organisms, further contributing to the decline in animal populations in acidified lakes. These changes create a cascade of ecological impacts, leading to less biodiversity and altered ecosystem dynamics.

The presence of fewer animals reflects the stress conditions within the ecosystem due to these harmful changes, making this selection the most accurate response to the question about the ecological conditions of acidified lakes.