Estuaries and Freshwater

Factors that are non-living things, such as climate, that affect an ecosystem.

• biotic

• salinity

• sources

• abiotic

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'abiotic' because it refers to non-living factors, like climate, that influence ecosystems. In contrast, 'biotic' refers to living components, while 'salinity' and 'sources' do not encompass the broader non-living factors.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

These areas of land that are covered by water all year or for at least one full season help control floods and serve as natural filters.

• estuaries

• wetlands

• seas

• flood plains

Answer explanation

Wetlands are areas covered by water for part or all of the year, playing a crucial role in flood control and acting as natural filters for pollutants, making them the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Factors that are living things that affect an ecosystem.

• biotic

• abiotic

• organic

• brackish

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'biotic' because it refers to living factors in an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, which interact with each other and their environment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Also known as bogs, swamps, marshes, and fens

• wetlands

• estuaries

• bays

• lagoons

Answer explanation

The term 'wetlands' encompasses various types of ecosystems, including bogs, swamps, marshes, and fens, making it the correct answer. Estuaries, bays, and lagoons refer to different aquatic environments.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Which is an area of land that all drains to one place?

• river

• aquifer

• reservoir

• watershed/river basin

Answer explanation

A watershed, or river basin, is an area of land where all the water drains to a common point, such as a river or lake. This makes it the correct choice, as it specifically refers to the land that collects and directs water flow.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Estuaries are important because they:

• provide shelter for young organisms

• have LOTS of nutrients

• filter out pollution from the ocean

• all of the above

Answer explanation

Estuaries are vital ecosystems that provide shelter for young organisms, are rich in nutrients, and help filter out pollution from the ocean. Therefore, the correct answer is 'all of the above'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What are the three major types of aquatic ecosystems?

• Rivers, Lakes, and Ponds

• Marine, Freshwater, and Estuaries

• Coral Reefs, Oceans, and the Sea

• There are only freshwater ecosystems

Answer explanation

The three major types of aquatic ecosystems are Marine, Freshwater, and Estuaries. Marine ecosystems include oceans and seas, while freshwater encompasses rivers, lakes, and ponds, and estuaries are where freshwater meets saltwater.

Approximately what percentage of the water on Earth is freshwater?

• 0.1%

• 3%

• 50%

• 97%

Answer explanation

About 3% of Earth's water is freshwater, primarily found in glaciers, ice caps, and underground aquifers. The majority, around 97%, is saltwater in oceans, making 3% the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Wetlands and estuaries purify water and filter out _____.

• dead organisms

• waste products

• salt

• pollution

Answer explanation

Wetlands and estuaries play a crucial role in filtering out pollution from water, helping to maintain ecosystem health. While they may also interact with dead organisms and waste products, the primary focus here is on their ability to purify water from pollution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What type of freshwater ecosystem consists of marshes and saturated land?

• Lentic

• Lotic

• Wetlands

Answer explanation

Wetlands are freshwater ecosystems characterized by marshes and saturated land, making them distinct from lentic (still water) and lotic (flowing water) systems.