8.E.1.2 Oceans and Estuaries

Which provides the largest source of dissolved oxygen in the ocean?

• Coral reefs

• Tidal action

• Algae Growth

• Hydrothermal vents

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Which best explains how the levels of nutrients, minerals, and dissolved gases in an estuary compare to those in surrounding bodies of water?

• The levels in the estuary vary depending on the ocean that connects it.

• The levels are lower in the estuary than in the river that connects to it.

• The levels vary depending on the river and the ocean that connects to it.

• The levels are higher in the estuary than in the ocean that connects to it.

What would most likely happen to the entire ocean food web if plankton were NOT available?

• All organisms that live in the ocean would NOT survive.

• The organisms would adapt and find another source of food.

• Only whales and other large ocean mammals would be affected.

• Only sea turtles and sharks would be affected.

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Which characteristic of an estuary makes it a good nursery for marine organisms?

• It is located at a mouth of a river.

• It has many areas to hide from predators.

• It has the ability to absorb water and prevent flooding

• It has a mix of salt and fresh water.

Which best explains why inhabitants of an estuary must adapt to frequent environmental changes?

• Estuaries get very little light.

• The water temperature is constantly warm.

• The salinity of the water is constantly changing.

• Low levels of oxygen are absorbed by the water.

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Which best explains what happens to nutrients in the ocean as a result of an upwelling?

• Upwellings carry nutrients to the surface of the ocean.

• Upwellings carry nutrients to coral reefs.

• Upwellings carry nutrients to the intertidal zone.

• Upwellings carry nutrients to the ocean bottom.

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Which dissolved gases are most needed by plants and animals living in the ocean?

• Nitrogen and oxygen

• Carbon dioxide and nitrogen

• Oxygen and carbon dioxide

• Carbon dioxide and nitrogen

Why are large numbers of ocean animals found in areas of upwellings?

• Oxygen is increased by the movement of the water.

• Oxygen is decreased by the movement of the water.

• Nutrients are increased by the movement of the water.

• Nutrients are decreased by the movement of the water.

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Which best describes why marine ecosystems are so unique?

• Marine ecosystems are home to many diverse biologic lifeforms.

• Marine ecosystems have a wide range of salinity levels.

• Marine ecosystems rely on many different biotic and abiotic factors like dissolved gases and plankton.

• Marine ecosystems have a lot of land for plant growth.

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Which best describes the organisms found in estuaries?

• The organisms can survive in salt water.

• The organisms are only found in fresh water.

• The organisms cannot tolerate brackish water.

• The organisms tolerate both freshwater and salt water.