Estuaries and Oceans

Which best describes the shallow water ocean zone?

• Cooler water temperatures cause a decrease in dissolved oxygen needed by organisms

• Sunlight penetration increases algae growth and provides food for a variety of organisms

Which would be the impact on the environment if there were no estuaries?

• There would be more pollutants in the ocean

• There would be a drought

Organisms that live in the intertidal zone must be able to tolerate which changes to survive?

• changes in both temperature and salinity

• changes in neither salinity nor temperature

Which characteristic distinguishes an estuary from other bodies of water?

• plant life

• salinity level

Which is most difficult to overcome in exploring the deepest parts of the oceans?

• high water pressure

• lack of oxygen

In what area of the ocean would the most photosynthetic activity occur?

• near the surface

• ocean floor

Which identifies a habitat where freshwater streams meet the saltwater ocean?

• estuary

• watershed

As the temperature of an ocean increases, which most likely occurs?

• the level of dissolved oxygen decreases

• the rate of photosynthesis increases

Which marine habitat buffers pollutants and it an important breeding ground for organisms?

• intertidal zone

• estuary

Which is most important reason estuaries make a good nursery for the young of many aquatic species?

• Estuaries have an endless supply of clean water

• Estuaries provide adequate food and protection for aquatic young