Marine Science Midterm Review Units 4-6

Front

What is shoal grass?

Back

Shoal grass (Halodule wrightii) is a species of seagrass found in shallow coastal waters, providing habitat and food for marine life.

Front

What causes upwelling in marine environments?

Back

Upwelling occurs when bottom water moves upward due to changes in water density, often driven by wind patterns.

Front

What are primary producers in marine ecosystems?

Back

Primary producers are organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, such as seagrass, algae, phytoplankton, and mangroves.

Front

What challenges do organisms face in the intertidal zone?

Back

Organisms in the intertidal zone face challenges such as extreme temperature changes, extreme salinity changes, and wave action, but primary producers are not a challenge.

Front

What is a fringing reef?

Back

A fringing reef is a type of coral reef that is directly attached to a shore or borders it with a shallow channel or lagoon.

Front

Define seagrass and its role in marine ecosystems.

Back

Seagrass is a flowering plant that grows in marine environments, providing habitat, stabilizing sediments, and serving as a food source for various marine species.

Front

What is the significance of phytoplankton in marine ecosystems?

Back

Phytoplankton are microscopic primary producers that form the base of the marine food web, producing oxygen and serving as food for many marine organisms.

Front

Explain the concept of marine biodiversity.

Back

Marine biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in ocean ecosystems, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity, which are crucial for ecosystem resilience.

Front

What is the difference between a barrier reef and a fringing reef?

Back

A barrier reef is separated from the shore by a deep lagoon, while a fringing reef is directly attached to the shore.

Front

What factors influence the distribution of marine organisms?

Back

Factors include water temperature, salinity, light availability, nutrient levels, and habitat structure.