Word: plankton
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...monuments to living organisms. After a number of such rain showers or highly acidic snow melts, a lake's pH* can plunge low enough to impair the egg-producing ability of fish. Decomposition of organic matter slows, probably because of a loss of scavenging microorganisms. The number of plankton falls off sharply, depleting a vital link in the food chain. Finally, the water appears blue, clear-and virtually lifeless...