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

True or False: Kelp forests require low energy environments while mangroves and seagrass can withstand stronger waves and currents.

Back

False; the opposite is true.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

What happens to salinity in an estuary?

Back

Salinity changes with tides, rain, and river input.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Front

What is a keystone species of kelp forests?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

Which mangrove species is native to Florida and is known as 'red'?

Back

Red mangrove.

Front

What role do mangroves play in coastal ecosystems?

Back

They provide habitat for wildlife, protect shorelines from erosion, and filter pollutants.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What is blue carbon?

Back

Carbon captured by oceanic and coastal ecosystems, particularly mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

Front

How do kelp forests benefit marine life?

Back

They provide food and habitat for a diverse range of marine species.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What is the primary threat to coastal ecosystems like seagrass meadows?

Back

Human activities such as pollution, coastal development, and overfishing.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Front

What is the significance of estuaries in coastal ecosystems?

Back

Estuaries serve as nurseries for many marine species and are highly productive ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5