Which term refers to the nutrient-poor portion of a lake?

The term that refers to the nutrient-poor portion of a lake is oligotrophic. Oligotrophic lakes are characterized by clear waters, low nutrient levels, and low productivity. These lakes often contain a high concentration of dissolved oxygen and support a limited variety of aquatic life. The nutrient-poor environment inhibits the growth of algae and other aquatic plants, which means that these systems tend to be more stable and have clearer waters compared to other types of lakes.

In contrast, eutrophic lakes are rich in nutrients, leading to higher productivity and often resulting in algal blooms and lower oxygen levels. Mesotrophic lakes fall somewhere in between, with moderate nutrient levels and productivity. Hypotrophic is less commonly used in this context but typically refers to lakes even poorer in nutrients than oligotrophic lakes, so it does not most accurately define the nutrient-poor status. Understanding these classifications helps describe the ecological health and characteristics of different lake ecosystems.