Chapter 9: Earth's Undersea World

What is the main purpose of exploring deep-sea environments?

• To find new species of fish
• To study the effects of pollution
• To understand the ocean better
• To find sunken treasure

What is one challenge of studying seamounts and ocean trenches?

• The lack of interest from scientists
• The extreme depth and pressure
• The lack of available technology
• The lack of funding for research

How do tectonic plates contribute to the formation of mountains on land and underwater?

• By eroding and shaping existing landforms
• By melting and creating new land
• By colliding and pushing up landmasses
• By moving apart and creating rifts

What is the main factor that creates the extreme conditions near hydrothermal vents?

• Strong ocean currents
• Lack of sunlight
• Low water temperature
• High water pressure

What is the average depth of the ocean compared to the depth of the Mariana Trench?

• The Mariana Trench is deeper than the average depth of the ocean
• The Mariana Trench is the same depth as the average depth of the ocean
• The Mariana Trench is shallower than the average depth of the ocean
• The Mariana Trench is 7 miles deep

What is the average temperature of the water at the bottom of the Mariana Trench?

• Boiling hot
• Room temperature
• Below freezing
• A few degrees above freezing

What types of organisms are commonly found on and around seamounts?

• Deep-sea corals and sponges
• Turtles and dolphins
• Sharks and whales
• Jellyfish and octopuses

Which of the following is NOT a type of organism that lives on or around seamounts?

• Sharks
• Polar bears
• Coral
• Fish

What is the main purpose of seamounts in relation to deep-sea life?

• To regulate ocean currents
• To act as a food source
• To create new land
• To provide shelter for fish

What types of animals are commonly found near hydrothermal vents?

• Sharks and whales
• Giant tube worms and crabs
• Turtles and dolphins
• Jellyfish and octopuses