Front

What is the littoral zone?

Back

The littoral zone is the nearshore area of a body of water, characterized by shallow waters and a diverse range of organisms, including plants and animals.

Front

What are wetlands?

Back

Wetlands are ecosystems that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, and support a wide variety of plants and animals.

Front

What is a characteristic of wetlands?

Back

Wetlands provide numerous ecosystem services, such as water filtration, flood protection, and habitat for wildlife.

Front

What is the salinity level in a coral reef ecosystem?

Back

Coral reefs have the highest consistent level of salinity among aquatic ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Front

What role do phytoplankton play in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Phytoplankton are primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, responsible for producing much of the food through photosynthesis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

What type of plants dominate marshes?

Back

Marshes are dominated by non-woody plants, such as grasses and reeds.

Front

What is the benthic zone?

Back

The benthic zone is the lowest ecological zone in a body of water, consisting of the sediment surface and sub-surface layers, where organisms like benthos live.

Front

What is an estuary?

Back

An estuary is a coastal area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, creating a unique ecosystem.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What are mangrove swamps?

Back

Mangrove swamps are coastal wetlands found in tropical and subtropical regions, characterized by salt-tolerant trees and a rich biodiversity.

Front

What is the role of zooplankton in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Zooplankton are small, drifting animals that feed on phytoplankton and serve as a crucial link in the aquatic food web.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2