Marine Biology Chapter 3 Flashcard

Front

What is gravitational force?

Back

Gravitational force is a force of attraction between two bodies, such as the Earth and an object, that pulls them towards each other.

Front

What is an El Niño event?

Back

El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific, affecting global weather patterns.

Front

What is a La Niña event?

Back

La Niña is a climate pattern that represents the cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific, often leading to opposite weather effects compared to El Niño.

Front

What is a wave crest?

Back

The crest of a wave is the highest point of the wave, where the energy is at its maximum.

Front

In which ocean zone do phytoplankton primarily live?

Back

Phytoplankton primarily live in the epipelagic zone, which is the upper layer of the ocean where sunlight penetrates.

Front

What is the significance of the epipelagic zone?

Back

The epipelagic zone is significant because it is where most oceanic photosynthesis occurs, supporting marine life.

Front

What is the difference between El Niño and La Niña?

Back

El Niño involves warmer ocean temperatures, while La Niña involves cooler ocean temperatures, leading to different weather patterns.

Front

What is the amplitude of a wave?

Back

The amplitude of a wave is the height of the wave from the line of origin to the crest, indicating the energy of the wave.

Front

What is the wavelength of a wave?

Back

The wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs of a wave.

Front

What are phytoplankton?

Back

Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that live in the ocean and are a crucial part of the marine food web.