Coastal Ecosystems Flashcard

Front

What are seagrass meadows, kelp forests, and mangrove forests known for?

Back

They make excellent nurseries for young wildlife because they offer many places to hide from predators.

Front

What is the relationship between kelp and seagrass?

Back

Kelp is algae (seaweed) while seagrass is a flowering plant.

Front

What is an estuary?

Back

An estuary has a brackish salinity, or a mix of fresh and salty water, and is where the ocean and rivers meet.

Front

True or False: A coast is the exact boundary between water and land.

Back

False - a coast is not quite that specific, and is the general area where land & water meet.

Front

What is a keystone species of kelp forests?

Back

Otters, because they keep urchin populations balanced to avoid kelp being over-eaten.

Front

What role do mangrove forests play in coastal ecosystems?

Back

They provide habitat for wildlife, protect shorelines from erosion, and store carbon.

Front

What is blue carbon?

Back

Blue carbon refers to carbon captured by oceanic and coastal ecosystems, particularly mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes.

Front

How do kelp forests contribute to marine biodiversity?

Back

Kelp forests provide habitat and food for a diverse range of marine species, supporting complex food webs.

Front

What are the main threats to coastal ecosystems?

Back

Pollution, climate change, habitat destruction, and overfishing.

Front

What is the significance of estuaries in coastal ecosystems?

Back

Estuaries serve as nurseries for many marine species and filter pollutants from rivers before they enter the ocean.